Fresno State’s Red Wave is about community, local pride and supporting each other
It’s more than just Fresno State football and Bulldog sports; it’s about relationships, community and being a part of something special.
Relationships run deep in the Fresno State Bulldog family. Decades of supporting coaches and student athletes is evidence of loyalty to one another. As a Bulldog born-and-bred daughter of a Fresno State professor, I have witnessed the evolution of Fresno State football and athletics over the past few decades; there is no better time than now to be a part of something special.
With the leadership of head football Coach Kalen DeBoer and his staff, something special is in the air. It is palpable. It is due to the relationships and mindset that has been established. Genuine leadership is built on trust and belief in one another, and DeBoer has established this with his players and our community. When Coach (Jeff) Tedford transitioned, DeBoer took the reigns with resolute commitment, and our community has been behind him all the way.
There are so many reasons to support DeBoer and the Bulldogs. If you were at the Rose Bowl when Fresno State beat the UCLA Bruins; you could feel the energy, the Red Wave showed up. Bulldog faithful continue to show up consistently over time.
Thirty-five years ago the Red Wave showed up to “Grant’s Tomb” in Selland Arena. The Red Wave showed up in 2008 when Fresno State’s baseball team won the national championship under the leadership of Coach Mike Batesole.
In the ‘80s I can vividly remember being in “Grant’s Tomb” (Selland Arena) and being a part of the human tunnel as players ran around the arena and on to the court. From top to bottom the stands were full, a sea of Red Wave.
In 2008, I can vividly remember the dog pile when our Bulldog baseball team won the College World Series.
In 1983, I can remember being at Fresno State’s North Gym for the celebration parade when the Bulldog basketball team returned home from New York after winning the NIT championship.
Fast forward to 2021; we are again experiencing Red Wave moments. The win against the Bruins was one that will stand out 30 years from now. Great leadership and consistent work ethic is a successful combination. With that, there will be more memorable moments ahead.
When I look back and when I think of now, there is one common denominator: great people.
Great things happen when great people are at the helm. From President Harold Haak in the ‘80s to current President Saul Jimenez-Sandoval and former First Lady Mary Castro and President Joseph Castro (now Chancellor of California State University); there is something special in the Central Valley.
From Coach Jim Sweeney in the ‘80s to Coach Jeff Tedford to Coach Kalen DeBoer, there is a tradition of excellence; great people doing great work to make a difference in the lives of others. That is a win that is immeasurable.
Continuing Red Wave support is something for our next generation. Wearing red and being a part of something special is what Bulldogs do. It’s meaningful to support one another by showing up through wins and losses and fiercely encouraging each other along.
We mentor our youth by showing them the value of hard work and commitment; we model the importance of being a part of a community by developing meaningful relationships.
Our Red Wave is back in the stands at Bulldog Stadium on Jim Sweeney Field and at the baseball diamond, continuing the tradition of supporting one another. It’s the way it has been for well over 35 years; great people, solid relationships, and great traditions in the Central Valley.
Upcoming games: Saturday’s home game against Boise State is nearly a sell-out. The final home football game is 4 p.m. Nov. 13 at Bulldog Stadium against New Mexico. The final game of the regular season is Nov. 25 at San Jose State.
This story was originally published November 4, 2021 at 5:00 AM.