Fresno State Athletics
A 20-Year Reunion
11/21/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 21, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - There was an air of nostalgia Saturday afternoon at Bulldog stadium as members of the 1989 Fresno State football team came together for a 20-year reunion and celebration tailgate to pay tribute to one of the most remarkable seasons of football in University history.
Nearly 35 former student-athletes, some traveling from as far as New Jersey, congregated on the Beiden Field first-base line concourse for a warm gathering that included 1989 head coach Jim Sweeney, whose name was dedicated to Bulldog field in the years following his reign. The afternoon kicked off with lots of hugs, hand shakes and recounts of the `Dogs triumphant season, which included a Big West Conference title, a California Raisin Bowl victory and an 11-1 record.
"We set very high goals for ourselves that year," said former tight end Rich Bartlewski. "We worked hard and had a very talented group of players in all positions. There's nothing better than playing in Bulldog stadium and having the Valley rally around you. In the five years that I was here we lost one game and tied one good. I was a senior and there was no better way to go out than with a conference title and a bowl win."
A dominate team, Fresno State earned a nearly flawless record while delivering edge-of-your seat, exhilarating football games to Bulldog fans who would pack the stadium. Perhaps one of the most memorable games players buzzed about at the tailgate was the tough matchup about then Big West foe San Jose State, a game remembered by all who played that year.
"It was one of those amazing, you live your whole life playing ball and then all of this sudden it just clicks," said left tackle Fil Lujan. "Being 11-1 was great and it was such a special year. We had so many weapons and we were so deep on defense. We had that play at the end of San Jose where freshman Marquez Pope blocked a two-point conversion with a score of 31-30 to save the game and our record. That was the most memorable moment and he saved our record."
With great food and drinks provided by Club Red under the Bulldog Foundation, an organization that brings former Bulldog student-athletes together, Sweeney and his then winning team shared stories of the game and engaged in timeless traditions of Bulldog traditions, including the famous "Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred" chant coined by Sweeney earlier in his career. Many players had not seen each other in years and even brought their children to share in the festivities.
"The way we came together as a team was when I knew this was going to be a special year," said running back Aaron Craver. "By the second week of fall camp I was amazed by all the talent in every position."
The `Dogs ended their 89' season run with a fourth-consecutive bowl win at the California Raisin Bowl against Ball State, 27-6. Carver found himself in the history books as he rushed for a then school record of 1,313 yards. Many others, including Carver, were drafted to the NFL upon graduation.
"We were an outstanding group," said head coach Jim Sweeney. "That group of guys really came from nowhere, and they did an outstanding job. I think our most memorable moment was when we played and conquered a tough Utah State. I am proud of them."
And as they came together again at Jim Sweeney field for a halftime honor after 20 years of play at the stadium they once called home, Sweeney and team's legacy and tight comradery will never be broken, and their stories of glory will go down in history.
