2017 Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame Class enshrines four Bulldogs

FRESNO, Calif. – The Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame hosted its 59th Annual Enshrinement Awards Dinner on Thursday night, which again included some of Fresno State's finest. Bulldog tie-ins for the 2017 class included David Carr (football), Melvin Ely (men's basketball), Roger George (track and field) and Teri McKeever (swim and dive).

The Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame is considered to be one of the preeminent local Halls of Fame in the nation because of its organization, participation and turnout.

David Carr: Former Fresno State quarterback David Carr was the No. 1 overall draft pick in the NFL, after being regarded as the top collegiate quarterback in the nation in 2001. Carr had an 11-year NFL career, playing for Houston, Carolina, San Francisco and New York. During his tenure with the New York Giants he earned a Super Bowl Ring.

The Bakersfield, Calif. native led the Bulldogs to rise as high as No. 8 in the nation polls after defeating Colorado, Oregon State and Wisconsin, during the 2001 season. Carr led the nation in passing yardage (4,839), total yardage (4,906), passing touchdowns (46) and total touchdown (51). He was the recipient of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy, which are awarded to the nation's top senior quarterback and outstanding passer, respectively. Carr finished his career at Fresno State as the Western Athletic Conference Offensive Player of the Year, and finished fifth in the Heisman Trophy voting.

After retirement, Carr began his career in broadcasting as an NFL analyst. He is a cofounder and managing partner of Carr Elite Fitness, and is an ambassador for Valley Children's Hospital.

Melvin Ely: Former Bulldog power forward Melvin Ely rewrote the Fresno State record book, dominated the Western Athletic Conference and went on to a NBA career that lasted almost a decade. Ely played for the Bulldogs from 1999-2002, and was the No. 12 overall draft pick and a first-round selection of the Los Angeles Clippers. During his nine-year career in the NBA, he won an NBA title with the San Antonio Spurs in 2007.

The Harvey, Ill. native earned back-to-back WAC Player of the Year awards (2001, 2002), leading the Bulldogs to four postseason appearances, including NCAA Tournament appearances in 2000 and 2001. Ely finished his collegiate career as the career leading scorer, a program record 362 career blocks and 924 rebounds (second-best in program history).

After retirement, Ely now serves as an assistant coach for NBA G-League team the Canton Charge.

Roger George: A three-time All-American decathlete. In 1976, George set the Fresno State decathlon mark of 7,960 (scored with 1985 tables) that still stands today. He was a three-time conference champion for the Bulldogs in the decathlon (1972-74). George is also apart of the Fresno State track and field hall of fame.

Teri McKeever: Former Fresno State swimming head coach Teri McKeever served as the women's team head coach from 1988-92 and the men's head coach from 1990-92. McKeever went on to become the first woman to serve as head coach of the U.S. Olympic women's swim team in 2012, her team competed in the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. She has been the head coach of Cal's women's swimming team for the last 25 years, leading the Golden Bears to four NCAA national championships.

McKeever led the Bulldogs to four winning seasons during her five-year stint at Fresno State.

During her time at Cal, McKeever has produced eight CSCAA National Swimmers of the Year, nine Pac-12 Swimmers of the Year and 27 Olympians. The Golden Bears have placed among the top three at the national meet nine years in a row – the longest current streak in the country.

In addition to Fresno State honorees, the following completed the six 2017 inductees:
• John Harris, Horse Racing
• '77, '78, '79, '80 San Joaquin Memorial Women's Basketball Teams

In addition to announcing the 2017 Hall of Fame class, Walt Byrd Jr., the hall of fame board president, and Fresno State President Joseph I. Castro announced Thursday night that construction on the organization's new home to be built in the southwest corner of the Save Mart Center at Fresno State.

For more information on the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame, visit www.fresnoahof.org.

"Just the Ticket to Build Our Community" – The Bulldog Scholarship Fund gives Bulldog alumni, fans and friends the opportunity to support Fresno State Athletics and the student-athletes who inspire them. For information about how you can support the Bulldog Scholarship Fund, please visit www.bulldogscholarshipfund.com or call 559-278-7160

Fresno State Athletics

2017 Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame Class enshrines four Bulldogs

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