Saturday, May 31, 2008

Overdue but not forgotten

I have to apologize to two very special people -- Tinesta Rowe and Melanie Gloria. You two deserved this huge CONGRATS much sooner, so sorry about the delay, but here goes.

We're proud to have you representing Fresno State on the tennis court, and were rooting hard for you to knock off the schmucks from UCLA in the national championship doubles match. You took 'em to that decisive third set but fell short...but hey, you're both juniors! You'll get 'em next year!

Yes, I confess, I didn't go to a tennis match all year. But I vow to change that next year. And I fully believe a national championship is on the horizon! (Am I aloud to be my normal boisterous self while cheering for 'Dogs tennis...?)

Congrats again ladies, and go get 'em next year! And keep up the fantastic job Coach Simon!

Note to George Takata: I often enjoy your radio show, but heard you say the other day that this was the first time a Fresno State athlete has played for the national title since wrestler Stephen Abas won three straight in the early 2000s. Well, that's far from true good sir, try Lucia Saina and Katharina Winterhalter in 2006 and Jelena Pandzic before that. That's three other women's tennis players in just the past few years!!!

Sunday, May 25, 2008

A Great Day to be a Bulldog

The Diamond 'Dogs may have underachieved during the regular season (so much so that one has to wonder how long Mike Batesole will be allowed to remain coach), but none of that matters now. It's on to the regionals for Fresno State with a third straight WAC tourney championship!

And they made their undefeated run through the tournament without ace Tanner Scheppers (injury). Way to step it up Holden Sprague -- a huge performace today, just three hits in 5.1 innings pitched. So as we wait to hear from the NCAA which regional the 'Dogs will be in (who's up for a road trip?) let's shift some focus to football:

Derek Carr commits to the 'Dogs! That's right, David Carr's little brother, currently a junior in high school, reportedly gave Pat Hill his word that he'll be a 'Dog in '09. He has all the makings of a big-time QB and gives the Bulldogs possibly more depth at the position than ever before. Can you imagine the competition between Ryan Colburn, Matt Faulkner, Ebahn Feathers and Derek Carr? Wow...

Way to paint the Valley Bulldog Red Coach Hill!

Fresno State Dream Team: Safeties

Who are the best safeties in school history? Let's find out. Each Bulldog Bounce blogger has turned in his own votes for each position already, but we want to hear what you -- the readers -- think. Then, at the end of all the voting we'll compare our results to yours.

We're going position-by-position with the idea of starting healthy debate about why so-and-so is better than such-and-such? YOU decide the criteria! What's more important? College stats or pro? Four-year starters or JC transfers? Single-season greatness or consistency?

Next up is safety, and the nominees are:
--Steve Cordle
--Tyrone Culver
--Vernon Fox
--Cory Hall
--Marquez Pope
--James Sanders
--Michael Stewart
--Omar Stoutmire
--Sam Watson
--Rod Webster
--Cameron Worrell

The Bulldog Bounce selects James Sanders and Marquez Pope as the two best safeties in Fresno State history. Each had three first-team votes and one second-team. Omar Stoutmire just missed first-team honors with one first-team vote and three second-team. Rod Webster also received a first-team vote, and Michael Stewart, Cory Hall and Vernon Fox also received votes.

Have fun, voice your opinion and let the voting begin! The nominees will remain posted in the right-hand column for you to choose from, but please add comments to this blog entry as well.

Sunday, May 11, 2008

Hooray Inman!!!

Fresno State could use more fans like Inman Perkins.

I'll let that one line stand alone. Because as a Fresno State baseball fan, he stands alone. It's a pleasure to know the Diamond 'Dogs honored the longtime most vocal of fans with his own jersey on Saturday. I'd go so far as to say his name belongs up on that outfield wall with the likes of Tom Goodwin, Bob Bennett, Bobby Jones, Pete Beiden and all the rest.

Inman's contributions have been of similar impact. 40 years. Cheering from the top of each dugout. Doing his "Go...'Dogs...Go" chants, the "F-R-E-S-N-O" spellout and the infamous leg kick during the chants. All while wearing Bulldog Red shoes. Almost every single game. All those years. What a guy.

Here's to you Inman Perkins!

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Fresno State Dream Team: Cornerbacks

Who's the best cornerback in school history? Let's find out. Each Bulldog Bounce blogger has turned in his own votes for each position already, but we want to hear what you -- the readers -- think. Then, at the end of all the voting we'll compare our results to yours.

We're going position-by-position with the idea of starting healthy debate about why so-and-so is better than such-and-such? YOU decide the criteria! What's more important? College stats or pro? Four-year starters or JC transfers? Single-season greatness or consistency?

Next up is cornerback, and the nominees are:
--Devon Banks
--James Burton
--Jack Erdman
--Therrian Fontenot
--Carl Ray Harris
--Richard Marshall
--Marcus McCauley
--Steve Muhammed
--J.D. Williams
--Payton Williams

Our Bulldog Bounce blog team voting results are coming soon...

Have fun, voice your opinion and let the voting begin! The nominees will remain posted in the right-hand column for you to choose from, but please add comments to this blog entry as well.