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.