Fresno State Bulldogs

Pool Progress!!

2011-04-28T17:56:23Z

Fresno State Swimming and Diving Complex Updated Pictures
Check out the latest pool progress pictures!

Dogs Marquee Mound Showdown

2011-03-11T19:46:48Z

The Bulldogs are moments away from the first pitch against Nebraska and it's a game that is getting some attention at the national level. Baseball America does a weekly preview throughout the baseball season and this week their "Marquee Mound Showdown" is Fresno State's Derek Benny against Nebraska's Jon Keller. Click this link below to read the entire article on the mound match-up.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/weekend-preview/2011/2611402.html#marquee

Bulldogs against Bracket Predictions

2011-02-26T20:30:31Z

As the regular season winds down, college basketball conference tournaments are on the horizon, and ESPN's Joe Lunardi is casting his bracket predictions for the 2011 NCAA Men's Basketball tournament. Check out how your Dogs faired against his bracket forecasts Brigham Young University, Utah State and Colorado State.

Fresno State kicked off its 2010-11 season with one of the biggest road games in recent history, as the Dogs ventured to Provo, Utah to face a No. 24 BYU in a sold-out battle and homecoming for head coach Steve Cleveland, who resurrected the BYU program in his tenure with the Cougars, 1997-2005.

The recent meeting between the Dogs and then ranked No. 24 Cougars began as a competitive game early for the visiting Bulldogs, who entered the game with an aggressive defensive game plan, but surged too late in the game that led to an 83-56 victory for BYU. BYU currently holds a 26-2 record overall, and is 12-1 in the Mountain West Conference. Lunardi predicts BYU to be a second seed in the tournament, and will meet with the 15th seed Long Beach State in the Western Region (Anaheim, Calif.)

The Bulldogs hosted BYU one year prior at the Save Mart Center for the first time since the Cougars left the WAC.

In their fourth WAC game of 2011, Fresno State hosted Utah State at the Save Mart Center in a hard, physical battle that ended in a 52-39 Aggie victory. The Dogs held Utah State to its second lowest scoring outing of the season (52 points), but took their eighth consecutive loss against the three-time defending WAC Champion.

Utah State is expected to be the No. 8 seeded opponent against a No. 9 seeded UCLA in the Southeast Region (New Orleans, La.) The Aggies currently lead the Western Athletic Conference 12-1 and with a 25-3 record overall.

Colorado State, who is projected to play a "play-in" game against an also No. 12 seeded Richmond for a spot in the round of 64, is currently fourth in the Mountain West Conference with an 8-5 record, 18-9 overall.

The Dogs met with the Rams this season in Fort Collins in a game that became the Bulldogs' best offensive outing of the season. With a strong offense in Garrett Johnson, and strong efforts from Greg Smith and Tim Steed, but despite efforts, fell 87-74 on the road.

Don't miss your Bulldogs in WAC tournament action in Las Vegas beginning March 9, 2011.

Bulldogs in the Spotlight

2011-02-18T18:18:45Z

Opening Day is upon us and the Fresno State baseball team is getting lots of attention both locally and nationally. Baseball websites and blogs are talking about the Dogs and the possibility of a postseason run. The Bulldogs begin the quest to the postseason tonight at 6:05 p.m. against Gonzaga.

ESPN named the Top 10 NCAA Baseball Places to be this weekend and Beiden Field was No. 8. ESPN writer Eric Sorenson said this about the Dogs:

8. The Fresno tournament

Teams involved: Fresno State, Oregon State, Gonzaga

The two Cinderella programs of the 2000s face off with another Northwest squad that should be much improved. All three teams will feature a handful of players who got drafted in June but decided not to go pro. Fresno's power lineup gives the Dogs a decided edge if the pitching is slow to get going.

Key matchup: Bulldog arms versus the bats of the Beavers and Zags. Fresno returns all four weekend starters (they play four in the WAC), and also get 14th-round draftee Tyler Linehan added to the arsenal. The Beavers hit a Pac-10-worst .267 last year and the Zags were a WCC-worst .282. Those two units must establish a better 2011. Log on to ESPN.com for its full season preview.

Many writers and bloggers are also talking about the Bulldogs playing Omaha again. Baseball America writer, Aaron Fitt picked the Dogs as his choice for Omaha Sleeper. Fit said this about the Bulldogs:

My Omaha sleeper is familiar to college baseball fans: Fresno State. We were high on the veteran-laden Bulldogs heading into 2008, ranking them No. 18 in the preseason, and they wound up winning the national title. The coaching staff believes this team is constructed similarly, with stars like Jordan Ribera and Dusty Robinson surrounded by an experienced core. That could be a recipe for a deep postseason run. Log on to baseballamerica.com for full season preview.

Don't miss any of the action at Beiden Field as the Dogs host Gonzaga on opening night Feb. 18. First pitch is at 6:05 p.m.

Letter from Head Coach Steve Cleveland

2011-02-05T01:03:45Z

To our Red Wave,

On Saturday night, we need you in the Save Mart Center when your Bulldogs host Louisiana Tech at 8 p.m. on national television.

There will be fun for the whole family and our area code - 5-5-9 - will mean that all tickets cost $5, everyone gets $5 in Bulldog Bucks and $9 food deals will be offered all night long!

To honor our university's celebration of its' first 100 years, this is our team's Centennial Night and all Fresno State staff and faculty are invited to attend the game for free.

When you come out in force and wear your Bulldog red, you can help give us the surge of energy to defend our home court.

Free t-shirts, pom poms and mystery cards will be given away while supplies last.

For our students -- one lucky student will win an iPad, one lucky organization will win an HD Bulldog TV and there will be a student tailgate one hour before tipoff. It's also Greek night - so to our fraternity and sorority members, we thank you for your support!

This is a game you won't want to miss! Grab your family and friends and let's provide a fun and exciting environment to show the nation the power of the Red Wave.

It will be a night full of great entertainment and I want you to be part of it!

You can help us fill the Save Mart Center and beat Louisiana Tech!

Steve Cleveland
Fresno State Head Men's Basketball Coach

You Ready for Saturday's Hoops "5-5-9"?

2011-01-31T21:34:09Z

For Saturday night's nationally-televised showdown with Louisiana Tech, Fresno State is turning to its area code (559) for a major promotion.

Here is the scoop:

• $5 Tickets all night long
• $5 Bulldog Shop Bucks will be given away at the entrance
• $9 Meal Deals all night long (includes these packages):

• Burger, fries and soda
• Hot dog, nachos and soda
• Hot dog, popcorn and soda

The deal is even better for any Fresno State staff or faculty member as admission is free while admission is always free to men's basketball games for Fresno State students. It's also the men's basketball season's designated "Greek Night" and "Centennial Celebration."

You also need to know that:

•   It's Red Cross "Save a Family" night. The Save a Family Relief Fund supports local relief efforts of the American Red Cross Central Valley.
•   Hall of Fame athletes will be signing autographs on the upper concourse promoting The Fresno Athletic Hall Of Fame 50th Anniversary Commemorative Edition book.

And here are some more giveaways:

•   2,000 TEXACO shirt giveaway to the first fans in attendance
•   2,000 red pom poms to the next fans in attendance
•   5,000 Sport Chalet mystery cards ranging from $5-$100 to first fans in attendance

You won't want to miss the action! Tip off is set for 8 p.m.

The Latest: Pool Progress Pictures

2011-01-27T23:49:00Z

Check out the latest pool progress pictures of the
new Fresno State swimming and diving complex!

Swimming Spotlight: LACEY PAYNE

2010-12-30T00:12:55Z

SWIMMING SPOTLIGHT: Lacey Payne

Senior

Major: Civil Engineering

Dream Job: Civil Engineer (PE)

Favorite part about being a Bulldog swimmer: Camaraderie of team and school.

Something no one knows about me: I love nerds.

Something everyone should know about being a swimmer: Our hair is never dry and the bleach smell is coming form us.

What do I look forward to most about the new swimming and diving complex: The flexibility of swim schedule.

Best thing about being a swimmer: Being in the sun, tan and in shape.

You know you've a swimmer when...Make-up and a hair dryer look like foreign objects.

Best moment as a Bulldog swimmer: Meeting the new team.

Game Day Battle of the Bands: Fresno State and NIU

2010-12-18T23:07:16Z

Approximately 200 members of the Fresno State marching band participated in a battle of the bands event this afternoon to kick off the game day events and to create a different competition outside of the fierce battle on the field.

Held in the Boise State indoor practice facility, bands, dance teams and color guard groups performed a handful of their favorite songs in front of uDrove supporters and fans.

The event, which was organized and announced by KTVE radio in Boise, shared facts and short anecdotes about each school's band after they played/performed to their musical lineups with fans as a way to familiarize each team with the other. A friendly drawing of sides was made on the field and fans for each school congregated by their school's marching band to cheer and rally as they played.

The Bulldog marching band, the larger of the two bands today, played an array of game day music frequently heard in the confines of Bulldog Stadium on game days, including "hey baby," a fan favorite at all Fresno State athletic events. The dance team along with the majorette gave great performances for each song played in sync with the band.

Bulldog band members, full of tons of energy as always, got into the event as it was a unique way for them to perform off the football field and stands and into a more intimate, face-to-face setting with supporters. Many Bulldog musicians even got into the musical choices of NIU, cheering and dancing with excitement for songs they know and love to play.

Bulldog marching band director Tim Anderson, who brought his band to Boise just three years ago for the 2007 Humanitarian Bowl with the Dogs, remembers a shining moment in the very place he and his band played at for Fresno State's last Humanitarian Bowl appearance.

"I proposed to my now wife here in Boise three years ago to the Fresno State fight song," said Anderson. "What better way is there to ask her to marry me then doing what I love to do and to the Fresno State fight song?"

uDrove members and supporters enjoyed lunch and warm drinks as the weather was chilly outside, in the mid to low 30's. Fresno State band members made a nearly 14-hour, 730 mile trip to Boise and arrived in Boise Thursday afternoon, ready to play their hearts out and bring the red wave to life on the blue turf and at Bronco Stadium.

Game Day Battle of the Bands: Fresno State and NIU

2010-12-18T22:57:11Z

Held in the Boise State indoor practice facility, bands, dance teams and color guard groups performed a handful of their favorite songs in front of uDrove supporters and fans.

The event, which was organized and announced by KTVE in Boise, shared facts and short anecdotes about each school's band after they played/performed to their musical lineups with fans as a way to familiarize each team with the other. A friendly drawing of sides was made on the field and fans for each school congregated by their school's marching band to cheer and rally as they played.

Bulldogs in the NBA and Beyond

2010-12-02T00:38:29Z

By Andy Conli / Fresno State Athletics

When the Indiana Pacers drafted Paul George tenth overall in 2010 he not only became the 21st Fresno State Bulldog selected in an NBA Draft but also the highest selected of the five Dogs to go in the first round. George joined Melvin Ely and Dominic McGuire as the only former Bulldogs currently in the NBA.

Fresno State is tied with Arkansas, Cincinnati, DePaul, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas State, Michigan, Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Pittsburgh, Purdue, and Texas A&M as schools with three former players in the NBA. Here is a look at what George, Ely and McGuire have been up to so far this season.

Paul George, a native of Palmdale, Calif., caught the eye of Indiana Pacers' general manager Larry Bird and head coach Jim O'Brien this summer during workouts.

"Everybody said he can play, and it was very apparent when I watched tape and we had him in here. He's a guy that is the type of athlete with size and scoring ability inside and outside that I think is very key in this league," O'Brien told WTHR of Indianapolis this past June.

George played in eight contests so far this season and averaged 16.5 minutes of court time. Amongst rookies, George ranks 12th in scoring (4.5 ppg), 13th in rebounds (2.5 rpg) and tenth in assists (1.6 apg). His best game came against the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 5 when he scored 10 points on 4-9 from the field and 2-5 from behind the arc and grabbed three rebounds.

Paul wears the number 24 on his Pacers jersey after being nicknamed "2much4u" during his youth.

Melvin Ely, the 12th overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2002 draft, is currently in his first season with the Denver Nuggets and eighth overall in the league. The 6-10 center was a member of the championship winning San Antonio Spurs in 2007 but did not play during the finals.

Ely averaged three points and four rebounds per game in eight contests for the Nuggets. Melvin's teammates love his tough defense and hustle on the court.

This season's best performance for Ely came on Nov. 20 when he racked up nine points on 4-4 shooting and hauled in six rebounds helping the Nuggets take down the New Jersey Nets, 107-103.

Dominic McGuire, a second-round pick by the Washington Wizards in 2007, earned time in only five games so far this year for the Charlotte Bobcats because he missed six weeks due to a stress fracture of his left shin.

Bobcats' head coach Larry Brown appreciates the defense and energy McGuire brings to the team. The 6-9 small forward had a break out game against the Milwaukee Bucks last week going five for six from the field and three for four from the free-throw line for a total of 12 points. McGuire also secured a career-high 15 rebounds, four of which were offensive rebounds, and blocked two shots.

Former Bulldog Renaldo Major, a forward in the NBA Developmental League, shines for the Dakota Wizards, an affiliate of the Washington Wizards and Memphis Grizzlies. Major averages 22 points and four rebounds through five games this season.

Here is a list of former Bulldogs playing throughout the world:

Player	Country	Team	Yrs @ FS
Kevin Bell	Switzerland	Geneve Lions	2004-08
Noel Felix	South Korea	Seoul Samsung Thunders	1999-2002
Hiram Fuller*	Mexico	Fuerza Regia Monterrey	2001-02
Hector Hernandez	Mexico	Soles de Mexicali	2004-08
Quinton Hosely	Spain	DKV Joventut Badalona	2005-06
Francis Koffi*	Spain	Ourense Grupo Juanes	2003-04
Donovan Morris*	Germany	Giants Noerdlingen	2004-05
Terrance Roberson*	Romania	CSU Sibiu	1995-99
Sylvester Seay	South Korea	KCC Egis	2008-10
Marcus West*	Switzerland	BC Boncourt Red Team	2003-04

*2009-10

Please let me know if there is anyone else who needs to be added or any changes that need to be made to this list. ajconli@mail.fresnostate.edu

SWIMMING SPOTLIGHT: Jordan Morillo

2010-11-30T21:29:22Z

SWIMMING SPOTLIGHT: Jordan Morillo

Junior

Major: Kinesiology

Dream Job: Own my own gym.

Favorite part about being a Bulldog swimmer: Time spent with teammates and achieving goals together.

Something no one knows about me: I don't eat mammals!

Something everyone should know about being a swimmer: It's not like any other type of sport you may have tried.

What do I look forward to most about the new swimming and diving complex: Just having the pool at our convenience always!

Best thing about being a swimmer: You don't feel guilty about eating whatever, we burn it off in the pool anyways.

You know you've a swimmer when...You have X and O tan lines on your back.

Best moment as a Bulldog swimmer: Competing at WAC Championship and swimming lifetime bests.

DIVING SPOTLIGHT: Hannah Prigge

2010-11-23T19:21:08Z

DIVING SPOTLIGHT: Hannah Prigge

Freshman

Diving

Major: Business/ Marketing

Dream Job: Marketing in Fashion

Favorite part about being a Bulldog diver: The bond between the team.

Something no one knows about me: I was born in Minnesota.

Something everyone should know about being a diver: It's a great view from the 10-meter board.

What do I look forward to most about the new swimming/diving complex: Getting a platform and a hot tub!

Best thing about being a diver: We get to flip around at practice.

You know you're a diver when...You are tan all the time.

Best moment as a Bulldog diver: Signing with Fresno State.

Ribera, Robinson Named in Top 100

2010-11-22T16:56:25Z

The buzz around the 2011 baseball season is starting early and the talk includes a couple of Bulldogs. The College Baseball Blog began releasing its Top 100 baseball players for the 2011 and a couple of Fresno State players made the list. The 2010 home run king Jordan Ribera ranks No. 74 and Dusty Robinson comes in at No. 79.

Both have been named All-Americans in their careers at Fresno State. Each has also won numerous Western Athletic Conference titles. Ribera also has a National Title and WAC MVP trophy to add to his resume.

The 2011 season opens in late Feb. Look for complete schedule and roster details soon on GoBulldogs.com.

Fasten Your Seat Belts

2010-11-20T19:23:53Z

By Stephen Trembley / Fresno State Athletics

With an early 1-1 record, seven newcomers and only three returners expected to play in tonight's game oceanside at UC Santa Barbara, the waters could get choppy really quick or the Bulldogs could find some calm waters to make a statement during the first past of this season.

Before this morning's shootaround in the Thunderdome, which is outfitted with a truly unique and rustic flavor highlighted by a wood ceiling and cross beams in the rafters, the Dogs' head coach Steve Cleveland took a moment to reflect for some inspiration.

The concept is simple: when the times get tough, the steady handed show their maturity with composure to maneuver through any turbulence or adversity.

Over the past six years, Cleveland's program is one of the examples that it requires resolve to turn the corner from challenges of the past and move forward into the present and future.

To take that step, Fresno State must now find consistent success on the floor. Their academic turnaround is the nation's best, the sanctions are gone and the necessary talent is in uniform. With unquestioned passion and a surge inserted into the Bulldogs' energy level, Cleveland is back into prime form. He is the first to admit that he loves coaching day-to-day now more than he ever has in his over 30 years of winning championships at the college, junior college and high school levels. He can just feel the potential to deliver a winner for his hometown and Bulldog community.

The Dogs face a stretch of playing four of the next five games on the road. The page may not turn over the next few weeks, but each of these experiences will be critical when conference play starts Dec. 29 in the Save Mart Center when WAC rival San Jose State visits town.

But for now, the comforts of home are a distant memory. The ride will be long and there will be speed bumps along the way. However, with conviction and desire, the Bulldogs have shown they can find their way by fastening their seat belts and displaying poise under pressure.

Note: You can listen to Fresno State's men's basketball road game at UCSB on KMJ 580 AM or online at www.gobulldogs.com/allaccess (a subscription is required). Live stats are available for free through Gametracker at www.gobulldogs.com.