Bulldogs buses feature athletes

Vehicles promote school spirit

By Elizabeth Leffall

Two additions to the Fresno Area Express (FAX) bus fleet celebrating Fresno State athletics are now on the streets serving the Fresno community.

Fresno State’s office of athletics and the City of Fresno announced the unveiling during a ceremony in which both “spirit” buses were rolled out of Bulldog Stadium onto the streets of Fresno for the first time.

Both transit buses—one red, one blue—are decorated with pictures of former Bulldogs athletes. Dean Huff, FAX operations manager said each bus is equipped with the standard wheelchair lifts and bike racks. “They’re being designated to various bus routes for the sake of advertising and will begin shuttling Bulldogs fans during the upcoming football season,” Huff said.

One Bulldogs bus honors Fresno State athletics, displaying photos of some of the school’s most prominent athletes, while the other serves as a tribute to the fanfare of Bulldog Stadium during football games.

Each bus also includes information for obtaining tickets for Fresno State’s athletic events.

“ We hope these buses will instill community pride in the Bulldogs and the University,” said Fresno State Athletic Director Scott Johnson during the unveiling ceremony. Fresno Mayor Alan Autry and University President John Welty were also present at the event.

Johnson said he was thankful to Autry for supporting Bulldogs athletics over the years.

“ These buses will offer great exposure to our program throughout the city,” Johnson said. “Fresno State has a great tradition of community support. We are a rapidly growing community and need to continue to find new ways to market the Bulldogs to our fans.”

Student-athlete photos include:

• David Carr, All-American football player

• Lindsay Logan, women's basketball player

• Stephen Abas, NCAA champion wrestler

• Melvin Ely, men’s basketball player

• Amanda Scott, All-American softball player

• Java Johnson, volleyball player

• Kim Niggemeyer, All-American tennis player

• Christina Bell, women’s soccer player

• Tom Goodwin, All-American baseball player

“ This is another way in which the university can connect with this area,” Welty said. “These pictures indicate that Fresno State is a major part of the community, it should make all of us very proud. I hope it also encourages members of the Fresno State community to use public transportation,” he said.

According to FAX operations manager Huff, more Bulldog buses may be added to the 100-plus fleet as early as December.