Fresno State Athletics
Young business leaders unite to strengthen Bulldog basketball
6/23/2026 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
FRESNO, Calif. – The changing landscape of college athletics has made support from the Valley more critical than ever to the success of our student-athletes and athletic programs at Fresno State.
A new generation of donors is stepping forward to join the loyal supporters who have long championed Fresno State Men's Basketball. Together, they are helping provide the resources necessary to elevate the program, support student-athletes and position the Bulldogs for sustained success both on and off the court.
In support of our men's basketball program, a group of young business leaders in Fresno is stepping up and has committed $100,000 to match the $100,000 Challenge Gift from Chris Morse and Ken Wittwer.
"The support shown by Ian Wieland, Dr. Jordan Prieto, Joseph Yrulegui, Jon Mimms, and so many others demonstrates what makes the Valley special. They believe in Fresno State, they believe in Coach Walberg's vision, and they're willing to invest in the future of our student-athletes," Director of Athletics Garrett Klassy said. "We hope their leadership inspires others to join us. Every gift, regardless of size, helps create opportunities for our student-athletes and strengthens our ability to compete at the highest level. Together, we can build something truly special for Fresno State Basketball."
Ian Wieland, Dr. Jordan Prieto, Joe Yrulegui of Yrulegui and Roberts, and Jon Mims are each gifting $25,000 to Vance Walberg and men's basketball to support the future of the program at Fresno State.
"Community support means more now than ever in the Rev Share Era of college athletics," Tyler Mariucci, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development, said. "It truly takes all of us, together, to move this program forward. These gifts from a group of young business leaders are a testament to the growing support for Fresno State Men's Basketball as we move into the Pac-12 Conference."
Ian Wieland, a founding shareholder of Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland PC in Fresno, is a proud Fresno State alumnus and longtime supporter of Bulldog Athletics. A respected leader in the Central Valley business community, Wieland has followed Coach Vance Walberg's career for years and has long admired his ability to build successful programs and develop student-athletes. His support reflects a shared commitment to helping Fresno State Men's Basketball continue to grow and thrive both on and off the court.
"Coach Walberg is a true competitor, and I want to see the Bulldogs succeed under his leadership," Wieland said. "I am honored to help him get the tools he needs to bring success to the Men's Basketball program."
Baseball excellence runs deep in Dr. Jordan Prieto's roots. As the grandson of legendary former Fresno State baseball coach Bob Bennett and a Diamond 'Dog alumnus himself, he understands the commitment required to build a winning program. Now, alongside his colleagues, he is giving back by helping Coach Walberg and the Bulldogs continue that tradition on the court.
"Fresno State has always been an important part of this community, and Bulldog basketball has given us so many great memories over the years," Dr. Jordan Prieto said. "I'm proud to support Coach Walberg and his staff as they work to build a program that our community can rally behind. This is an investment in our student-athletes, our university and the future of Fresno State Basketball."
For years, Joseph Yrulegui of Yrulegui & Roberts has been a familiar face at Fresno State men's basketball games, supporting the Bulldogs as a loyal season ticket holder. A respected local attorney and passionate advocate for Fresno State Athletics, Yrulegui is helping strengthen the program's future through his continued generosity and commitment to Bulldog basketball. The firm has been supporting Fresno State basketball since 2009. They have been sponsoring and donating since the Coach Tarkanian days.
"I've been fortunate to sit in the stands and support Fresno State basketball for many years, and I've seen firsthand the impact this program can have on our community," said Yrulegui. "When the opportunity arose to help provide resources for Coach Walberg and his student-athletes, it was an easy decision. I believe in the direction of the program and am excited about what lies ahead."
Jon Mimms has spent his career building and investing in the Central Valley through his work in Commercial Real Estate with Marcus & Millichap. Now, he is helping to invest in the future of Fresno State Men's Basketball, supporting Coach Walberg's vision while giving back to a community that has played a role throughout his life.
"I've watched Coach Walberg since my days playing basketball at Bullard High School and competing against Clovis West Teams. Coach Walberg always had his guys ready, and they played extremely hard for him. "His teams were always so disciplined, competitive and prepared, and those are qualities that have stayed with him throughout his career. I am excited to support his vision for Fresno State Basketball and help provide the resources needed to build something special for the Valley."
If you are interested in making a contribution to the Fresno State Men's Basketball and joining this movement, please contact the Bulldog Foundation office at (559) 278-7160 and make an impact today!
A new generation of donors is stepping forward to join the loyal supporters who have long championed Fresno State Men's Basketball. Together, they are helping provide the resources necessary to elevate the program, support student-athletes and position the Bulldogs for sustained success both on and off the court.
In support of our men's basketball program, a group of young business leaders in Fresno is stepping up and has committed $100,000 to match the $100,000 Challenge Gift from Chris Morse and Ken Wittwer.
"The support shown by Ian Wieland, Dr. Jordan Prieto, Joseph Yrulegui, Jon Mimms, and so many others demonstrates what makes the Valley special. They believe in Fresno State, they believe in Coach Walberg's vision, and they're willing to invest in the future of our student-athletes," Director of Athletics Garrett Klassy said. "We hope their leadership inspires others to join us. Every gift, regardless of size, helps create opportunities for our student-athletes and strengthens our ability to compete at the highest level. Together, we can build something truly special for Fresno State Basketball."
Ian Wieland, Dr. Jordan Prieto, Joe Yrulegui of Yrulegui and Roberts, and Jon Mims are each gifting $25,000 to Vance Walberg and men's basketball to support the future of the program at Fresno State.
"Community support means more now than ever in the Rev Share Era of college athletics," Tyler Mariucci, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development, said. "It truly takes all of us, together, to move this program forward. These gifts from a group of young business leaders are a testament to the growing support for Fresno State Men's Basketball as we move into the Pac-12 Conference."
Ian Wieland, a founding shareholder of Sagaser, Watkins & Wieland PC in Fresno, is a proud Fresno State alumnus and longtime supporter of Bulldog Athletics. A respected leader in the Central Valley business community, Wieland has followed Coach Vance Walberg's career for years and has long admired his ability to build successful programs and develop student-athletes. His support reflects a shared commitment to helping Fresno State Men's Basketball continue to grow and thrive both on and off the court.
"Coach Walberg is a true competitor, and I want to see the Bulldogs succeed under his leadership," Wieland said. "I am honored to help him get the tools he needs to bring success to the Men's Basketball program."
Baseball excellence runs deep in Dr. Jordan Prieto's roots. As the grandson of legendary former Fresno State baseball coach Bob Bennett and a Diamond 'Dog alumnus himself, he understands the commitment required to build a winning program. Now, alongside his colleagues, he is giving back by helping Coach Walberg and the Bulldogs continue that tradition on the court.
"Fresno State has always been an important part of this community, and Bulldog basketball has given us so many great memories over the years," Dr. Jordan Prieto said. "I'm proud to support Coach Walberg and his staff as they work to build a program that our community can rally behind. This is an investment in our student-athletes, our university and the future of Fresno State Basketball."
For years, Joseph Yrulegui of Yrulegui & Roberts has been a familiar face at Fresno State men's basketball games, supporting the Bulldogs as a loyal season ticket holder. A respected local attorney and passionate advocate for Fresno State Athletics, Yrulegui is helping strengthen the program's future through his continued generosity and commitment to Bulldog basketball. The firm has been supporting Fresno State basketball since 2009. They have been sponsoring and donating since the Coach Tarkanian days.
"I've been fortunate to sit in the stands and support Fresno State basketball for many years, and I've seen firsthand the impact this program can have on our community," said Yrulegui. "When the opportunity arose to help provide resources for Coach Walberg and his student-athletes, it was an easy decision. I believe in the direction of the program and am excited about what lies ahead."
Jon Mimms has spent his career building and investing in the Central Valley through his work in Commercial Real Estate with Marcus & Millichap. Now, he is helping to invest in the future of Fresno State Men's Basketball, supporting Coach Walberg's vision while giving back to a community that has played a role throughout his life.
"I've watched Coach Walberg since my days playing basketball at Bullard High School and competing against Clovis West Teams. Coach Walberg always had his guys ready, and they played extremely hard for him. "His teams were always so disciplined, competitive and prepared, and those are qualities that have stayed with him throughout his career. I am excited to support his vision for Fresno State Basketball and help provide the resources needed to build something special for the Valley."
If you are interested in making a contribution to the Fresno State Men's Basketball and joining this movement, please contact the Bulldog Foundation office at (559) 278-7160 and make an impact today!
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