Fresno State Athletics
Postcard From New York
12/18/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Dec. 18, 2010
QUEENS, New York -- - Associate head coach Brett Frank's delivery was spot on.
"I think we've been misdirected," he said as a sheepish grin spread across his face.
The Fresno State women's basketball team had just taken the F Train nearly 100 blocks in the wrong direction Friday night, an unexpected detour that temporarily thwarted its attempt to get back to the hotel.
But one thing's for sure: If the Bulldogs were trying to get a "true New York experience," they were off to a great start.
Fresno State is currently in New York competing in the St. John's Chartwells Holiday Classic, which begins today at the Camesecca Arena in Queens. While basketball is the main objective, Friday was all about taking in the various sights, sounds and smells of a city that not long ago remained a foreign concept.
After a solid morning practice, the players and coaching staff bundled up and boarded a charter bus bound for the Manhattan area. The bus rumbled past tall buildings and scores of people. It even made a slow pass by Ground Zero, site of the attacks on the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, before arriving at the loading dock for a ferry bound for the Statue of Liberty, one of the more iconic landmarks in the world.
The many layers of scarves, thermals and jackets came in handy. After all, a December afternoon in New York is like no other. The combination of air and wind is like a biting punch to the gut. The temperature hovered in the 30s for most of the day but felt much colder as the ferry cut across the Hudson River.
Coach Adrian Wiggins even wrapped a red and blue Fresno State scarf around his head to help him keep warm.
"Next time," senior guard Jaleesa Ross said, "I'm coming in June."
After a short ride, the players piled off the boat and headed straight toward Lady Liberty, each one left in awe by the towering figure before them.
"One word. Amazing," assistant coach Amy Parrish said, while standing in front of the 151-foot statue. "I don't know if you're ever sure what to expect, but it's definitely different from what I thought. It's beautiful."
For nearly 30 minutes, the Bulldogs snapped photos and interacted with fellow tourists. Australians Rosie Moult, Hayley Munro, Ali Drennan and Bree Farley even ran into a couple from their native homeland.
"That was so cool," Moult said. "You can always tell (Aussies) from a mile away."
For most of the Bulldogs, this week's East Coast excursion is their first. The biggest exception, however, is senior forward Taja Edwards, whose parents, Brett and Cynthia, are native New Yorkers. Edwards' connection to the area and eagerness to share it with her teammates has made her a tour guide of sorts.
"Every bridge we pass, they ask me, `Is that the Brooklyn Bridge?" Edwards said with a laugh. "Being here is a one-of-a-kind moment. Just for them to see the culture here is great. New York is a great city. Even for the Aussies to see Ground Zero and for them to know how important it is to our culture. It's just awesome."
The history lesson continued with a stop at Ellis Island, the original gateway for immigrants seeking entrance into the United States. Between the years 1892-1954, nearly 12 million people were processed at Ellis Island, and it is said that 40 percent of all Americans can trace their roots through the famous port.
As the sun began to set, hunger pangs began to set in. The Bulldogs, never ones to turn down a meal, found the perfect wonder tonic at Katz Deli.
There, the Bulldogs were treated to a colorful dining experience only found in New York. Giant salami hung on the wall. Pictures of celebrities who'd also taken a turn at the popular establishment covered every free bit of space.
Ben Stiller, Tommy Hilfiger, Bill Clinton. They've all taken at seat at Katz Deli, which was recently featured on the Travel Channel's hit show "Man vs. Food."
That said, host Adam Richman has nothing on Fresno State. The Bulldogs eagerly tried everything from its famous pastrami to matzo ball soup. Coach Wiggins and Coach Frank sampled potato latkes, knishes and attempted to share the "three-meat platter," a monstrous pile of brisket, corned beef and pastrami.
"I have too much food," Wiggins said. "I don't know where to go."
Be sure to stay tuned for more on Fresno State's East Coast adventure.
"We Are Your Team" -- Fresno State returns to the Save Mart Center on Dec. 29 for a nonconference game against USC. Central California Blood Center will be in front of the Save Mart Center between 4:30-8:30 p.m. taking blood donations. Donors will receive free admission and a Bulldog T-shirt. Also, Mutts in Motion will be performing at halftime.
