Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Head to University of Pacific Invite
10/11/2010 12:00:00 AM | Swimming & Diving
Oct. 11, 2010
FRESNO, Calif. - The Fresno State swimmers will kick off the 2010-11 season in Stockton, Calif., at the University of Pacific Invite. This two-day event wil include talented teams from all over the country. Only the Bulldog swimmers will travel to this event as diving will not be hosted.
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Experience Matters for the 2010-11 Season
This season marks the third since the programs reinstatement in 2008 and the Bulldogs are looking to make an even bigger splash. This year's team will be lead by two returning seniors: swimmers Cindy Engle and Stephanie Hatayama. The `Dogs return 12 other swimmers and divers to create the most experienced team under head coach Jeanne Fleck. The Bulldogs also add six new student-athletes to the roster.
Bulldog Freshman Qualified for 2012 Olympic Trials
Fresno State swimmer Michelle Dockendorf qualified for the 2012 Olympic Trial Standards in the 200 breaststroke with a time of 2:34.44. The Santa Barbara native competed in the Southern California Junior Olympics in Thousand Oaks, Calif. This was her last competition before she came to Fresno State. Not only did the young swimmer win the competition but her time qualified her for the 2012 Olympic Trial Standards, which is 2:35.99. "It is a great step for Michelle and this program," head Fresno State swimming and diving coach Jeanne Fleck said. "To have an Olympic trial qualifier in the third year of our program is a great boost. We are very excited for Michelle."
`Dogs to Host Five Days of Competition
After just one competition last year held within the city limits, the Bulldogs will host five days of competition including the two day Valley Invitational in January 2011. The month of October includes two days of competition when the Bulldogs take on cross-town rival Fresno Pacific and the Wolf Pack of Nevada come to town. These will be the two competitions of 2010. When the new year comes so does three days of home Bulldog competition. Cal State East Bay visits Jan. 8 and the two-day Valley Invitational will be held at the end of the month of January.
Fresno State's Centennial Celebration in Full Swing
Founded in 1911, Fresno State will celebrate its 100th anniversary during the 2010-11 academic year. The campus community will hold several special events during the year and the Fresno State Athletics Department will host a Centennial event for each of its 19 sports. The Bulldog swimming and diving Centennial celebration will be Jan. 21-22 when the `Dogs host The Valley Invitational. The event will serve as a reunion for all former players.
New Fresno State Swimming and Diving Complex Progresses
Construction on the new multi-million dollare aquatic complex is going well. Cement has been poured, blocks have been stacked, and progress can be seen on the complex that will sit directly east of Bulldog diamond off Barstow Ave. The facility will feature a 50-meter pool with eight lanes, including a one-meter, three-meter and platform diving well at five, seven and ten-meter heights, along with coach's offices. A wet classroom will also be available to swimmers and divers for just out-of-the water coaching and exercises, as well as both home and visiting locker rooms. The pool will be seven feet deep and the diving well 13-15 feet to accommodate swimmers and divers. The pool will also be swim meet ready with diving blocks, lane lines and flags. With the development of the new facilty, the team will have the ability to host home meets and practice on campus, and give the `Dogs a permanent home. You can watch pool construction live online at gobulldogs.com and view old and new construction pictures on the Fresno State swimming and diving blog or the Fresno State Athletics Facebook page. Compeletion is on track for Spring 2011.
Gjoen Wins Big in Norway
Junior Bulldog Heidi Gjoen made Norwegian swimming histroy in the summer of 2010. The native of Oslo, Norway competed on the 400 medley relay and the 800 free relay teams, both of which made history by breaking the previous national records. Gjoen also swam and won the Norwegian National Championship in the 200 backstroke. Further, she made personal improvement while competing in the 100 backstroke by breaking her personal record by 1.3 seconds. Gjoen was voted team MVP swimmer last year and the year before was named WAC Freshman of the Year. Gjoen looks to continue to lead the team through the 2010-11 season.
"We Are Your Team!" - The Fresno State Bulldog swimmers head to Stockton Oct. 15-16 to compete in the University of Pacific Invite. The Bulldogs then return home for two consecutive weekends of competitions, Oct. 23 they host Fresno Pacific and Oct. 30 Nevada. The team competes at Clovis North High School and admission is free.
