Fresno State Athletics
Beyond the Court: Fresno State Creates Opportunities for Students
3/18/2026 2:57:00 PM | General
When Fresno State traveled to Las Vegas for the 2026 Mountain West Championship, it wasn't just the athletes who made the trip. The university brought the Bulldog spirit with them, the band and the dance team, whose experience in Vegas went far beyond the games themselves.
While other schools filled the stands with outsourced bands, Fresno State made a different choice, investing in its own students and giving them opportunities beyond the baselines of the court, from charity events in the community to the dance team training with the Raiderettes.
"This trip was about much more than basketball," said Garrett Klassy, Director of Athletics. "It was about creating a complete championship experience for our student athletes and our spirit groups while showcasing what Fresno State is all about. We made a conscious decision to invest in our own students, bring the Bulldog spirit to Las Vegas, and provide opportunities for our band and dance team to perform, grow professionally, and give back to the community. That is the kind of experience we want every Bulldog to have."
The group had a busy week. Loading up a bus and traveling seven hours to Las Vegas to cheer on women's basketball to their first postseason win under first-year head coach Ryan McCarthy, dominating Nevada 74-57.Â
"The best part about being part of the championship experience is bringing energy all the way from Fresno to Las Vegas," said Elric Pfeifer, a saxophone player in the Bulldog Marching Band. "It gives our teams a taste of home and a sense of support. We believe we can help bring momentum to the game. We also provide an additional fan section for the team if fans aren't able to make the trip."
The next day, the dance squad headed to the Raiderettes facility, where they had the opportunity to meet the coaches, learn choreography, and practice routines as they prepare to represent Fresno State at the NCA and NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship next month.
The band and dance team returned to the Thomas & Mack Center for the start of the men's basketball tournament, and the weekend concluded with both groups performing at Spirit Fest in support of Goodie Two Shoes, a nonprofit organization that helps disadvantaged children and children in crisis by providing new shoes, socks, and other essential items that support health and development.
"We are so thankful for the support of the university and the athletics department that allowed for this amazing week," said Ally Barriaga, a senior member of the Fresno State dance team. "We got to represent Fresno State, support our teams, make connections for our future professional careers, and give back to the community."
This trip served as another example of the dedication between the university and the athletics department to work together in creating meaningful opportunities and unforgettable experiences for students during their time at Fresno State.
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While other schools filled the stands with outsourced bands, Fresno State made a different choice, investing in its own students and giving them opportunities beyond the baselines of the court, from charity events in the community to the dance team training with the Raiderettes.
"This trip was about much more than basketball," said Garrett Klassy, Director of Athletics. "It was about creating a complete championship experience for our student athletes and our spirit groups while showcasing what Fresno State is all about. We made a conscious decision to invest in our own students, bring the Bulldog spirit to Las Vegas, and provide opportunities for our band and dance team to perform, grow professionally, and give back to the community. That is the kind of experience we want every Bulldog to have."
The group had a busy week. Loading up a bus and traveling seven hours to Las Vegas to cheer on women's basketball to their first postseason win under first-year head coach Ryan McCarthy, dominating Nevada 74-57.Â
"The best part about being part of the championship experience is bringing energy all the way from Fresno to Las Vegas," said Elric Pfeifer, a saxophone player in the Bulldog Marching Band. "It gives our teams a taste of home and a sense of support. We believe we can help bring momentum to the game. We also provide an additional fan section for the team if fans aren't able to make the trip."
The next day, the dance squad headed to the Raiderettes facility, where they had the opportunity to meet the coaches, learn choreography, and practice routines as they prepare to represent Fresno State at the NCA and NDA Collegiate Cheer and Dance Championship next month.
The band and dance team returned to the Thomas & Mack Center for the start of the men's basketball tournament, and the weekend concluded with both groups performing at Spirit Fest in support of Goodie Two Shoes, a nonprofit organization that helps disadvantaged children and children in crisis by providing new shoes, socks, and other essential items that support health and development.
"We are so thankful for the support of the university and the athletics department that allowed for this amazing week," said Ally Barriaga, a senior member of the Fresno State dance team. "We got to represent Fresno State, support our teams, make connections for our future professional careers, and give back to the community."
This trip served as another example of the dedication between the university and the athletics department to work together in creating meaningful opportunities and unforgettable experiences for students during their time at Fresno State.
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