Plenty of memories to go around
FAREWELL
COLUMN: Hughes Views
By EDDIE HUGHES
I still remember that first
assignment for The Collegian. It was Jan. 26, 2002. I was a sophomore,
idolizing the athletes on campus who I’d grown up watching and cheering
for.
Then I’m sent to cover
a Fresno State basketball game at Selland Arena — as a reporter.
I was nervous — especially after the game, when I knew I’d
have to approach Melvin Ely for an interview. Ely was a superstar, maybe
the best center in college basketball. I didn’t really know what
I was doing, but there was only one way to learn.
The interview went fine, and I like to think I have improved during the
past few years. And now, after too many stories, columns, game previews
and grading the ‘Dogs to count, as my final column as a college
student is published, it brings back all the memories. Many of them are
ones other sports-crazed minds across campus might also look back on.
My time at Fresno State was incredible, and the sports scene was a big
reason why. So, as I tried to think up the proper way to end my tenure
at The Collegian, I figured the best route was to take a look back. And,
hopefully, this will spark some of those special memories in my readers
— both of you — as well.
I remember …
…when the men’s basketball team, behind Ely, Chris Jefferies
and Tito Maddox, beat Cal in the first round of the 2001 NCAA tournament
in Memphis. The Bulldogs lost to top-seeded Michigan State in the next
round.
…when the goalpost came tumbling down (thanks to some persistent
students) at Bulldog Stadium after Fresno State’s 44-24 win over
Oregon State in 2001. If anyone ever questions the school pride of Fresno
State students, point it out and brag about it. It was an amazing sight
to see.
…when David Carr put Fresno State on the cover of Sports Illustrated,
and eventually became the NFL’s No. 1 overall draft pick.
…when a not-very-good Boise State team ruined the Bulldogs’
dream of an undefeated season weeks later, after the Bulldogs reached
a No. 8 national ranking. The loss started a string of four straight Fresno
State losses to the Broncos.
…when wrestler Stephen Abas won his third consecutive national championship.
…when golfer Nick Watney perched himself atop the national rankings.
…when women’s basketball made a Women’s National Invitation
Tournament run and the crowd noise and energy rivaled that of a men’s
game at Selland Arena.
…when it was announced that the men’s soccer, indoor track
and field and cross country and women’s swimming and diving programs
were all being axed because of budget cuts. It was saddening to see all
those student-athletes left with no programs to play for.
…when track and field coach Bob Fraley volunteered to forfeit his
$90,000-plus yearly salary and coached for free to save his program —
it sounded too good to believe.
…when, in Ray Lopes’ first year, the Fresno State basketball
team got first in the WAC and had a good shot to make the NCAA tournament
before a self-imposed postseason ban put a stop to that.
…when the Save Mart Center opened and the students were among the
first to tour it. For anyone who has lived in Fresno for a long time,
that first look was breathtaking.
…when some men’s basketball players, namely Terry Pettis,
embarrassed everyone associated with Fresno State with their actions off
the court.
…when the football team went into Boise, Idaho in December, knocked
off No. 17 Virginia on the blue turf and finished the season ranked No.
22. There’s some significance to a bunch of red-clad Bulldogs fans
partying on their rival’s field after a big bowl win.
…when, in the course of about a month, Stacy Johnson-Klein was suspended
and eventually fired, Scott Johnson stepped down as athletic director
and Lopes resigned, citing a phone call violation he made while recruiting.
More bad press for the university.
…when friends and I went on enough road trips while following Fresno
State players or teams to cause a shortage of gasoline and boost prices
in several states. There was Pasadena. Los Angeles.
Santa Barbara. Santa Clara.
San Jose about 10 times. San Francisco. San Diego twice. Eugene, Ore.
Norman, Okla. Seattle. Reno, Nev. And Boise.
…when the intramural team I played for throughout six semesters,
the Fightin’ Editors, made it to the semifinals of the flag football
playoffs. We had some decent seasons in football and basketball, but,
strangely enough, coed softball might have been the best overall experience.
And we won only two games — in three seasons combined. Winning truly
isn’t the most important thing.
Having fun is. And that’s what I hope we’ve all done during
the college years. Read The Collegian, then you’ll know.
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