Photo courtesy of Fresno State Athletics and Minorwhite Studio

Logan: After a cold winter break that went by way too quickly, I think I am about ready for some spring-time sports. Ok, so maybe it wasn’t that cold, but following such a disappointing fall season, I think Redwavers out there are all ready for a fresh start.

George: You’re right; it was a pretty disappointing fall season for sports, with the exception of the women’s soccer team. I did get to cover them as a beat writer, and quite frankly I’m pretty glad I didn’t get stuck with another sport.

Logan: The soccer team finished its season very strong and ran into an amazing UCLA team, which was pretty exciting. But other sports, like football and volleyball, left Bulldog fans hoping for more. Keeping that in mind, I think that the spring lineup of Fresno State sports has a lot to offer.

George: With 12 sports competing this semester, there will be plenty of events for Bulldogs fans to attend, helping put the autumn blues behind them. Currently, the women’s basketball team has gotten off to a fast start with the best overall record in the WAC and hopes for a conference title. Last season the team made it to the big dance; coach Adrian Wiggins has them playing good ball once again which hopefully will carry over to the programs first NCAA win in 2009.

Juan Villa / The Collegian

Logan: While the men’s team hasn’t had such a hot start, young players like freshmen Paul George, Mychal Ladd and Bryce Cartwright have made every game compelling. Junior college transfer Sylvester Seay had been the Bulldogs only prescence in the paint, including his career-high 32 points at Utah State. Coach Steve Cleveland has allowed senior Dwight O’Neil to lead the young players on the team and has kept everything together. The Bulldogs may have a tough road in conference play, but at least they will be fun to watch and will give everyone something to look forward to in the future.

George: Most excitingly, we have the baseball team coming off its national championship season, which will look to make another run in ’09. With core returning players like Tommy Mendonca, Alan Ahmady, Danny Muno, Danny Grubb, Steve Detwiler and Holden Sprague, the Bulldogs should be in pretty good shape. That’s not to mention, coach Mike Batesole bringing in a top-15 recruiting class.

Logan: I know it will be tough for Batesole to keep his returning stars focused and hungry following their magical run, but it seems like these guys have all bought into his system. This team seems ready to make a run at its fourth straight WAC title and maybe even another trip to Omaha for the College World Series. Fans shouldn’t expect the same results from the 2009 Diamond ’Dogs, but they can expect one thing – Beiden Field will be packed on Feb. 20.

George: There’s no doubt attendance numbers will definitely increase this year as students and fans should think about picking up their tickets much earlier than they may be used to. The women’s lacrosse team may also draw a crowd next door to Beiden Field Feb. 7 when they take the field for Fresno State’s first ever lacrosse match. It’s always exciting getting a new sport, but along with that comes the growing pains of starting up a new program in college athletics.

Logan: Another sport to keep an eye on will be the softball team. Margie Wright is the winningest coach in NCAA softball and has done a terrific job keeping Fresno State consistently strong. This year, the Bulldogs will return ace Morgan Melloh and the lively bat of leadoff hitter Haley Perkins. Fresno State hosted Cal in the regionals last season, and hasn’t yet forgotten their defeat. Wright’s team seems poised for a run at Oklahoma and may have an answer to basbeall’s national title.

George: With other teams like tennis, golf and track taking aim at WAC titles of their own, the spring season looks to be a memorable one.

Logan: We have plenty to look forward to and lots of chances to get out and support our Bulldogs – from start to finish.

George: And we won’t have to worry about our athletic department collapsing midseason.
Logan: Poor Falcons.

BY LOGAN HOPKINS & GEORGE STEPANOFF JR.