Fresno State Athletics
Bulldog Outreach
3/8/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
March 8, 2000
Bulldog Outreach
By Curtis Webb
The 'Dogs are down by two with less than a minute to go...Meetchie brings the ball up-court...he swings it to Alexander on the near side...Courtney, passes to Ely in the post...T Ro's open in the corner...Ely kicks it out to Roberson for three - he knocks it down!
While the Bulldog basketball team provides exciting entertainment to the greater part of the San Joaquin Valley, the 'Dogs give back to the community in other ways as well. When they are not running fast breaks, blocking shots or hitting long range jumpers, they are out in the streets of Fresno giving their time and talents to the local neighborhoods.
Fresno State student-athletes are always working hard out on the practice field and in the classroom, but the Bulldogs also have a rich tradition of community involvement. From Red Ribbon Week to the Big Hero-Little Hero program, these athletes are role models to youngsters who seek to emulate their every move.
The men's basketball team has been just one example of the outreach that is put forth by Fresno State athletes. In October of 1999 the team conducted its annual free clinic at the Boys and Girls Club of Fresno County. There the team was able to teach the youth of Fresno the game of basketball and give them the opportunity to play ball with their heroes.
"Our team really enjoys helping the youth of our community," head coach Jerry Tarkanian said. "The response we get every year to our many programs is just tremendous. We have always enjoyed working with the Boys and Girls Club." Tarkanian himself has been a major community contributor. His donation of $100,000 to the Henry Madden Library at Fresno State has given the entire area great new advantages. The generous offer is now being used to purchase needed books for the library.
The squad took time out of its practice schedule just before its own Trend Homes Classic back in December to visit to the Holy Cross Center for Women. There the team was able to help Santa Claus pass out Christmas gifts to 40 disadvantaged children. Being able to take part in several activities and interacting directly with these less fortunate children is a gift in itself. The basketball team, in addition to the women's soccer squad, swimming and diving, wrestling, men's and women's track and baseball all participated in the "Walk to Cure Diabetes" and Special Olympics fund raiser during October. This was the third year in which Fresno State student-athletes have helped out with fundraising with the Knights of Columbus for the Special Olympics.
Other athletic programs such as the equestrian team have been very insightful to the needs of their neighbors. With programs such as Toys for Tots and Coats for Kids available in the Valley, the team decided it would take advantage of such collection organizations. During the months of November and December, the team gathered hundreds of toys and coats to donate to these specific programs. In this case, the team was able to donate their own material possessions to benefit the community.
The men's soccer team has hit the streets of Fresno as well. Every Friday of this month, the Bulldogs will be collecting donations, from major street corners, to help support the Valley Teen Ranch. This special home called the Valley Teen Ranch is housing youth who have been removed from their parents' homes for various reasons.
Of course these experiences are just a few of the many outreach programs that Fresno State student-athletes participate every year. Although a Nick Irvin alley-oop pass to flying Larry Abney may be the Bulldogs' most apparent gifts, remember they always have time to give of their most important talents: charity.
