Fresno State Athletics
Fresno Hall of Fame Inducts Former Bulldogs
11/12/2015 12:00:00 AM | General
By: Kimberly Fisher
kimfisher@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. - Three former Fresno State student-athletes will be inducted into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame on Thursday night which include Nina Lindenberg, Bernard Berrian and Ron Rivers.
The 57th annual enshrinement dinner also honored Dr. Hansen of Sierra Pacific Orthopedics Center, winner of the Harold Zinkin Sr. Award, for his contributions to local athletics.
The special evening will be held at the Fresno Convention Center with a social and cocktail hour set to begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the induction ceremony.
Nina Lindenberg
The former softball all-star will be the only Fresno State female alumni to being honored during Thursday's event. She hit the most momentous home run in Fresno State softball history, the game winner as the Bulldogs won the 1998 National Championship. Lindenberg ranks in the top ten of most all offensive categories as part of Fresno State's historic softball heritage. Lindenberg was named an All-American during three of her Bulldog seasons and was selected to the College World Series All-Tournament Team on two occasions. Following her collegiate career, she was a member of four United States National teams that won gold medals in various competitions around the world.
Bernard Berrian
As one of the most outstanding receivers in the history of Fresno State football, Berrian went on to play eight seasons with the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. He caught almost 300 passes in 109 games totaling over 4,100 yards and recorded 24 touchdowns in his NFL career. As a Bulldog, he was an all-conference pick from 2000-03 and continues to be a top three all-time record holder in both season and career receptions and yardage gained.
Ron Rivers
Rivers is the second all-time leading rusher in Fresno State football history, with a total of 3,584 yards and 28 touchdowns during his Bulldog career. He was a two-time all-conference recipient and was named an All-American during three conference title winning seasons (1991-93). Rivers then played six seasons in the NFL with Detroit and Atlanta, accounting for just under 1,500 all-purpose yards in 75 pro games.
Proceeds from the event on Thursday night will go towards supporting Fresno's youth through the Pete Mehas Memorial Scholarship (Edison High School), the Boys and Girls Club (Fresno, Clovis), as well as local high school athletics.
The Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame is committed to honoring local athletes for outstanding achievements by celebrating their enshrinement into the hall of fame, while inspiring area youth through the promotion of community sports. The organization was established in 1958 by Ed Orman, John Voenes and several committee members who aided in laying the foundation to commemorate great athletes of Fresno County.
Club Red and Fresno State Athletics honored these outstanding athletes on Wednesday night for the Club Red Night Before the Hall, held on campus. In attendance were members of the Club Red board, former student-athletes, supporters from the community, as well as teammates and peers of the three inductees.
For a complete list of past inductees into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame, please click HERE.
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