Fresno State athletic gear sale wins for the teams

By Britney Munoz

The Collegian

Bulldog fans awoke early Saturday to support Fresno State athletics by purchasing half price memorabilia at the Fresno State Spring Super Sale.

The annex was cluttered with buyers and clothing for sale. The average cost of merchandise was $5.

People who were waiting to enter the annex formed a line that staggered down one side of the building and onto the training field.

Ivan Knapp, Fresno City College radiology technician major, who got in line at 7 a.m., had his arms full of clothing. This was his opportunity to obtain Fresno State gear inexpensively.

“It’s a chance to get stuff the players wear, that’s what everybody wants,” Knapp said.

Jerseys, hats, beanies, sweater vests, T-shirts, jackets, backpacks, shoes, socks, warm-up pants and sports memorabilia was offered at reduced rates. Basketballs and footballs from training camps and other sporting events made perfect souvenirs for fans who wanted to collect autographs from athletes.

Mike Schawn, president of the Quarterback Club, was looking for helmets, jerseys or anything he could add to his collection.

“Hopefully there is still stuff left,” Schawn said. “I had no idea it would be this big, this quick,” he added, “People are scoring well.”

No breaks were in sight for those manning the register. Barricades were in place to manage the growing crowd that made its way to the cash register.

One shopper approached the front counter hugging a box full of merchandise. Others just had their hands full.

The sale began at 8 a.m. and by 8:35 a.m. metal hangers swung from empty racks as people packed into check out lines. One shopper said she had seen people walk out of the building with five or six bags in hand.

Fresno State’s Timeout entertained the crowd, as cheerleaders in blue warm-ups passed out thunder sticks.

KMJ 580 News Radio was broadcasting live from its motorhome to promote the Spring Game. Bounce houses provided entertainment for children and a booth was selling season football tickets. A post game barbecue was also scheduled.

Promoters of the spring sale, Bulldog Shop, scrimmage and barbecue, collaborated to generate more revenue for spring game promotion.

Deena Diboll, assistant athletic director, said all proceeds from the super sale will be returned to the athletic department. $20,000 could be earned if all the merchandise is sold. If the event is successful, she said, fans can look forward to another spring cleaning next year.

“This event is for anybody who loves the Bulldogs and anybody that is looking for a good deal,” Diboll said. “I think the people are really pleased, it is just a great day for Fresno State.

More shoppers were expected before the spring game at 11a.m. Football players were available to autograph newly purchased merchandise after completion of the game.

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