Fresno State Athletics
Getting to Know Adrian Wiggins
9/30/2008 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Sept. 30, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State coach Adrian Wiggins has had a lot of success as the head coach of the Fresno State women's basketball team. He is 71-36 as head coach of the Bulldogs and he has earned an impressive 42-7 record at the Save Mart Center. Last year he garnered WAC Coach of the Year honors after leading the Bulldogs to an impressive 22-11 record and the programs first conference championship and NCAA tournament berth.
Recently GoBulldogs.com sat down with Adrian's wife Heather to get a behind the scenes look at what coach Wiggins is like off the floor.
1- What was one of your favorite dates you went on?
I'd have to say one of my most memorable dates with Adrian would be our "unofficial" first date. Two of our best friends from high school were going out for the first time and "supposedly" wanted Adrian and me to join them for moral support. Little did I know, they had ulterior motives. They knew Adrian and I had liked each other off and on for several years. So, we all went to see "Pretty Woman" at the theatre, and halfway through, the movie had technical problems. But it was okay, because it was an excuse to spend more time together. I think we even held hands. So, what started off as a friendly night out, turned into the beginning of a relationship.
2- What is Adrian like at home prior to a game?
After he gets home from his pregame routines: watching game film, having pregame meal, and going to the shoot-around, he always takes a nap before he has to leave again for their game. From the time he wakes up until he leaves, he is pretty quiet and very focused on the game to come. He is still cheerful and rarely irritable before games. He even offers to take the kids with him early to the game.
3- What is he like after the game?
After a win at home, he's stoked! It's tradition to celebrate wins at home by eating our favorite dessert from Olive Garden (Black tie mousse cake). After a loss, it just depends on how the girls performed. If they played their hearts out, he's still bummed but not mad. If they didn't perform so well on a particular night, he comes home, vents, and then watches game film all night.
4- Is there a difference in being a head coach's wife at the Division I level compared to Division II?
As far as the community and athletes go, there are a lot of similarities. I still get to meet wonderful people. As we did in Oklahoma, we've made some great friends in Fresno that we might not have met if it weren't for the connection through Fresno State athletics. The opportunities are more frequent here at Fresno State, because we attend more events at the Division I level. The spirit of Fresno State fans is overwhelming in a positive way! I'm so glad to be a part of it!
5- What is Adrian's favorite meal you prepare for him?
He loves my sour cream chicken enchiladas. He's also a sucker for my pancakes. He loves breakfast for dinner!
6- What is Adrian like with the kids?
He is the most amazing father. Although his job requires him to be gone often, when he is home, he still takes the time to play with Aubrey and William. They love to play nerf baseball in our living room. Wrestling is always a must in our family. The kids love to wrestle with Adrian until someone ends up crying (usually Adrian after we've triple teamed him). One time, he even stepped out of his comfort zone at a father/daughter western dance and dressed up in wranglers and a cowboy hat that he had borrowed from coach Frank.
7- Has Adrian ever diagramed a play sitting at the dinner table?
He hasn't at the dinner table, but he has during the sermon at church. I'll look over at him thinking he's taking notes and then notice he's written all his players' names out with their positions and strategies.
8- Have you been able to visit any fun places with Adrian since he's been a head coach?
The kids and I got to go back to Hawaii with the team. Aubrey and Will still talk about that trip! I went to Las Vegas with him one year when he attended a coach's clinic. We might have the opportunity to go to Australia with the team next year. That would be amazing!
"Join the State - Fresno State!" -
Secure your seat now as Hawaii comes to Bulldog Stadium to take on the `Dogs on Saturday, October 4 at 7 p.m. Be there early to check out Bulldog Boulevard, the ultimate free pre-game fan experience which opens at 3 p.m. To purchase tickets, click on the tickets icon at the top of this page, call the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
