July 2, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - After leading the Bulldog baseball team to its' first-ever NCAA National Title, senior Steve Susdorf was named the men's Athlete of the Year by the local media. The female honoree is Morgan Melloh, a left handed pitcher for the softball team. Both of these student-athletes led their respective teams to historic seasons.

Susdorf was drafted by the Detroit Tigers after his junior year but decided to return to Fresno State and became one of the most decorated athletes to ever sport a Bulldog uniform. He was the 2008 WAC Player of the Year and was also named to the WAC All-Tournament, All-West Region, NCAA Tournament All-Regional and the CWS All-Tournament teams.

He leaves Fresno State as the all-time career leader in RBI's with 216. Susdorf also ranks in the top 10 in home runs, doubles, hits and runs scored. Susdorf, a civil engineering major, was also an Academic All-American.

Susdorf is the 13th baseball player to be named Athlete of the Year since the men's award began in 1958.

The next stop for Susdorf, the Philadelphia Phillies of MLB as he was drafted in the 19th round.

Other male athletes nominated: Kevin Bell, Basketball; Grant Doverspike, Golf; Marcus Riley, Football; Fran Sanders, Track and Field; Rudy Siwy, Tennis.

Melloh, a freshman from Fishers, Ind., led the Bulldog softball team back into the top 10 rankings in the coaches polls and to a 54-13 record, the teams best since 1999. She shocked the softball world as she was named the WAC Freshman and Pitcher of the Year, a first-team Easton All-American and a second-team NFCA All-American.

She broke four school single-season records including appearances (59), wins (42), innings pitched (360.1) and strikeouts (454). She also ranks in the top 10 in complete games (44), games started (46), strikeouts per 7 innings (8.82), shutouts (20) and saves (3)

Another very impressive feat in her first year, Melloh ranks in the top 20 in the NCAA in a single-season in appearances (59), complete games (44), innings pitched (360.1) and victories (42).

Other female athletes nominated: Sharon Ayala, Track and Field; Melanie Gloria/Tinesta Rowe, Tennis; Laura Luethke, Golf; Alisha McKee, Volleyball; Lisa Wells, Equestrian; Tierre Wilson, Basketball.

Past Fresno State Athletes of the Year