September 4 sport preview2013

‘9-4 is not good enough’ where it got us and we’re hungry.’

‘9-4 is not good enough’ ‘I believe in the players tha cial.’ is not good enough’ ‘We bought in last year, we s mething special.’ ‘9-4 is not goo ck that we can do something special.’ re hungry.’

‘I believe in the players that we h Wide receiver Davante Adams

Safety Derron Smith

Quarterback Derek Carr

saw where it got us and we’re hungry.’

‘9-4

-4 is not good enough’ INSIDE do something special.’ enough’ ‘We bought in last year, w · Derek Carr: Leaving a Legacy

· Mountain West Conference preview · Wide Receivers prep for big season

· Volleyball, soccer, men’s and women’s golf and more!

PROUD SPONSOR OF FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL

www.fresnolexus.com

PAGE 2

.

THE COLLEGIAN 2013 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

MOUNTAIN WEST CONFERENCE SEASON PREVIEW

WEST

Compiled by Ricardo Cano, Collegian Staff

Nevada Wolf Pack (0-1)

Fresno State Bulldogs (1-0)

Last season: 4-4 MWC, 7-6 overall

Last season: 7-1 MWC, 9-4 overall

Hawaii Warriors (0-1)

Key matchups: vs. Boise State (Sept.

20), at San Diego State (Oct. 26) and at San Jose State (Nov. 29)

Last season: 1-7 MWC, 3-9 overall Key matchups: at Oregon State (Sept. 7) and vs.

Army (Nov. 30) Who to watch: QB Taylor Graham doesn’t seem like the answer, but in an offense that has yet to pick up under coach Norm Chow, that’s the position that will be under the spotlight. Graham finished 16 of 41 for 208 passing yards and a touchdown – and four interceptions.

What to expect: Hawaii is not likely to compete for a top spot in the conference, nor the division. The Warriors were picked to finish last in the conference in the preseason poll. Somebody has to.

San Diego State Aztecs (0-1)

Who to watch: QB Derek Carr returns for a fifth and final season, his Heisman push receiving a heavy first push with his performance against Rutgers. He currently leads the nation in passing yards and attempts.

The Fresno State offense goes as he goes in what might be a record-breaking season for Carr.

What to expect: They still have the unimpressive Aztecs and San Jose State at the end of the season to reach the inaugural Mountain West Championship game. If that happens – and they beat Boise State twice en route to an undefeated or 11-1 season – the Bulldogs will bust the BCS. Now seems like the Bulldogs’ brightest chance.

Key matchups: vs. Oregon State (Sept.

21), vs. Fresno State (Oct. 26) and vs. Boise State (Nov. 23) Who to watch: RB Adam Muema was part of a two-headed running attack last season for the Aztecs who should have most of the carries this season as the featured back. Muema rushed for 1,458 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2012. His workload seems like it will remain steady – quarterback Adam Dingwell didn’t instill much confidence with his season-opening performance.

Utah State Aggies (0-1) Last season: 6-0 MWC, 11-2 overall Key matchups: at USC (Sept. 21) and vs. Boise State (Oct. 12)

Last season: 5-1 WAC, 11-2 overall Key matchups: at No. 4 Stanford (Sept. 7), vs.

Utah State (Sept. 27) and vs. Fresno State (Nov. 29) Who to watch: QB David Fales and WR Noel Grigsby formed a lethal tandem last season. Fales had a breakout season (4,193 passing yards for 33 touchdowns) with Grigsby catching most of his passes.

What to expect: The West Division might come down to the final game of the season when Fresno State makes the trip to Spartan Stadium in a game that will likely feature two future NFL Draft picks go toe-to-toe. This is the most talented quarterback Fresno State will face this season. San Jose State cracked the AP Top 25 to finish last season. Can they do it again with a new coach?

Boise State Broncos (0-1) Last season: 7-1 MWC, 11-2 overall

Key matchups: at Fresno State (Sept. 20) and at San Diego State (Nov. 23) Who to watch: RB Joe Ajayi.z Broncos quarterback Joe Southwick can run and throw the ball, but it is who his wingman is that makes the difference. In the Broncos’ loss against the Washington Huskies, Ajayi ran for 93 yards on 23 carries.

This style of play complemented Southwick’s decision to play small ball.

What to expect: Newcomers to the MWC, the Utah State Aggies want to prove to the division that they are not going to be sleepers. They finished with a 6-0 record, en route to winning the Western Athletic Conference championship and will see familiar foes in San Jose State and Hawaii this season.

What to expect: Boise State’s loss at Washington did damage to the Broncos‘ reputation. Because of holes in the Broncos‘ defense (it allowed 38 points to a non-BCS championship school), it will need to redeem itself. Ranked No. 19 in the Associated Press Coaches’ Poll, the Broncos have to prove themselves or risk falling lower in rank or worse, completely out of the picture.

Last season: 3-5 MWC, 4-8 overall Key matchups: vs. Fresno State (Nov. 9) and at Boise State (Nov. 16)

What to expect: This does not seem to be the year the Wolf Pack make a strong run at a conference crown, not with Fresno State, San Diego State and San Jose State standing in the way. A fourth-place West Division finish seems fitting.

Last season: 2-6 MWC, 2-11 overall

San Jose State Spartans (1-0)

Who to watch: WR Travis Van Leeuwen - This senior wide receiver had a career-high five receptions for 107 yards during Utah State’s opener at Utah. That means that he is earning the top spot as Chuckie Keeton’s target.

With the loss of running back Kerwynn Williams, the running game for the Aggies has not been established, so it’s expected that Keeton will go to the air.

Wyoming Cowboys (0-1)

Who to watch: QB Cody Fajardo will continue to operate the pistol offense under new coach Brian Polian, which should help him build on last season’s performance. He and the Wolf Pack are being thrown in the fire early in the season. A season-opening loss to UCLA and on deck: nationally ranked Florida State on the road.

UNLV Rebels (0-1)

Last season: 7-1 MWC, 9-4 overall

What to expect: Did that really happen? The reigning co-Mountain West champs dropped their season opener at home to Eastern Illinois, an FCS school, 40-19. They have Ohio State on the road this week, but at least play most of their crucial conference games at home. The Aztecs still have to go through Fresno State – and San Jose State – to win the West Division.

Key matchups: at Florida State (Sept.

14), at UNLV (Nov. 2) and vs. BYU (Nov. 30)

Colorado State Rams (0-1) Last season: 3-5 MWC, 4-8 overall Key matchups: at Alabama (Sept. 21) and at Wyoming (Oct. 19)

Who to watch: QB Brett Smith. In the loss to No. 18 Nebraska, Smith threw a 67.4 completion percentage, with 383 yards and four touchdowns. He tried to rally the Cowboys by getting them within field-goal range with less than two minutes remaining, but threw an incomplete pass. Last season, Smith threw for 27 touchdowns and six interceptions, while tallying up 2,837 yards.

Who to watch: QB Conner Smith. The redshirt sophomore ended last season as the No. 1 starter after an injury to M.J. McPeek forced Smith to take over last season. Although he finished the year 80 for 126 with 1,022 yards, Colorado State coach Jim McElwain decided to go with Garrett Grayson as his No. 1 quarterback to start 2013. Although Smith isn’t No. 1 on the depth chart, he did beat Grayson in yards, completion percentage and yards per game over a six-game span.

What to expect: Looking to rebound after a dismal season, the Cowboys have the opportunity to do so. Facing teams such as Idaho and North Colorado should help them out, as long as their defense prevents opponents from scoring.

What to expect: The Rams had an unexpected loss in the Rocky Mountain Showdown. Now, having started the season off on a bad foot, the Rams will do what they can to keep themselves in the MWC race before it gets out of hand.

Key matchups: vs. Arizona (Sept. 7) and vs. Utah State (Nov. 9) Who to watch: RB Tim Cornett stands out on the offense. He rushed for 1,232 yards last season averaging 5.1 yards per carry. Cornett is currently fifth in UNLV career rushing yards, a record he looks to break if he stays healthy.

UNLV and Fresno State did not face each other last year in conference play.

What to expect: The Rebels do not give off much confidence based on their performance last season – but have most of their tough West Division opponents (not including Fresno State) at home.

MOUNTAIN

Compiled by Christopher Livingston, Collegian Staff

New Mexico Lobos (0-1) Last season: 1-7 MWC, 4-9 overall Key matchups: at Pittsburgh (Sept. 14) and at Boise State (Nov. 30) Who to watch: QB Cole Gautsche. There are two reasons to watch this player: one, because of how he used his legs more than his arms in the opening game; and two, because he is listed as questionable with “concussion-like symptoms.” Gautsche only threw for 65 yards in the Lobos’ loss to the University of Texas - San Antonio. But what was astounding was how he ran for 118 yards on 16 carries, leading his entire team in the rushing category. Unfortunately for the Lobos, he suffered an injury during the game.

What to expect: Gautsche’s return is something to expect for New Mexico. Otherwise, it will be a season of trial-and-error for Lobos coach Bob Davie.

Air Force Falcons (1-0) Last season: 5-3 MWC, 6-7 overall

Key matchups: at Boise State (Sept. 13) and vs.

UNLV (Nov. 21) Who to watch: RB Jon Lee. The junior running back is poised to fill in the vacant spot left by Cody Getz. While serving as the backup, Lee carried the ball 88 times for 545 yards. After having to sit out the final game of the 2012 season due to injury, he came back with a vengeance. In the season opener against Colgate, he rushed for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

What to expect: With quarterback Kale Pearson suffering a knee injury, forcing sophomore backup Jaleel Awini to take control, it can be expected for Air Force to utilize the ground game even more.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

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THE COLLEGIAN 2013 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

WOMEN’S SOCCER

Fundamentals a key factor for Bulldogs

Bulldogs focus on enhancing their play on the field

CONTINUED from page 4

By Christopher Livingston The Collegian After finishing last season with a four wins, 11 losses and five ties, the key word for the Fresno State women’s soccer team is resilience.

“I’m really excited about our senior class,” said Fresno State soccer coach Brian Zwaschka. “They are showing that they’re here to compete, and they are really excited about this season.”

Currently, there are six seniors on the team, meaning there is a good amount of experience to lead the younger members this year.

Among these seniors is Morgan Castain, the defender from Castro Valley, Calif. In two years at Fresno State, she has 37 shots on goal, making 11 of them. Lauren Lindstrom, a defender, has 19 career shots on goal and four goals in 62 games played.

She was named to the Mountain West Conference (MWC) women’s soccer 2013 preseason all-conference second team.

A newcomer to the team this season is goalkeeper Alyssa Wilson. A redshirt freshman from Etiwanda High School, she lettered in soccer in all four years.

“In ever y class, ever ybody’s improved from last year. They really took our spring development serious-

LEGACY: Carr aims to leave mark on Fresno State football

Roe Borunda / The Collegian

Fresno State senior defender Lauren Lindstrom moves the ball down the field during the Bulldogs’ exhibition match against UC Irvine, a 2-0 loss for the Bulldogs. Fresno State had its largest crowd ever in its home opener against Santa Clara on Saturday.

ly,” Zwaschka said.

Goalkeeper Katie DeVault returns for her junior year. As a sophomore, she had 122 saves while allowing only 35 goals, which was fifth in the MWC. She also had three shutouts in 2012 and 10 career shutouts.

For Zwaschka, 4-11-5 is a tough record to swallow. But that is the past, and now the Bulldogs must reclaim the top spot they had in the conference

two seasons ago as members of the Western Athletic Conference (WAC).

With this season now in progress, the Bulldogs focus more on what they are doing on the field. Once they are at a fundamentally-sound level, Zwaschka believes that his team will be a mystery when scouted by other teams.

“Throughout the season, it has to be about improving our style of play

and really getting better at every single thing that we do,” Zwaschka said. “We never want to forget about always exercising our own fundamentals and our own style of play.

“The better we are at what we do, the less we have to worry about what the opponent does.”

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Fresno State has not had a Heisman winner. In fact, the last time a California school other than USC won the Heisman was in 1967.

“Everything I do is not just for me,” he said. “When people finally get to know me, they understand that. Everything I do is for my faith, my family, the city of Fresno. That way, when people here walk around town, they can say, ‘We had a Heisman Trophy winner here, and he was a pretty good guy.’”

After college, Carr wants to do what any other marquee senior quarterback would want to do: play in the National Football League.

“I never doubt myself, so hopefully I’m starting on a team and winning some games. That’s definitely the plan,” he said.

With his faith and his family as major priorities in his life, the Red Wave has a special place in Carr’s heart. With only 11 games left in this era, he never stops short of showing his appreciation to Fresno State fans.

“I would say thank you so much for the support, because it hasn’t been easy since my sophomore year,” he said.

“There were always teachers and students saying hi to me and supporting me, encouraging me all throughout the city and the Valley.

“There was always that encouragement: ‘Keep going, the team will get better, you’re going to get better.’

“Everyone stuck behind us and thank you for the support.”

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COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Leaving a Legacy

WHITEOUT REVISITED

PAGE 5

Fresno State won its season opener against Rutgers at Bulldog Stadium on Thursday in thrilling fashion: a 52-51 overtime victory over last year’s Big East Champions.

By Christopher Livingston The Collegian The end of an era is near.

Derek Carr, the Fresno State Bulldogs’ starting quarterback for the past three seasons, is playing his final season in front of the Red Wave. He leaves behind a legacy that will not be forgotten.

“It goes through my head. I can and I can’t wait for it to be over,” Carr said. “I can’t wait because I want to see what happens. I just want to see how my teammates do. I can wait because I don’t want it to end.

It’s kind of bittersweet, but I’m going to go out there and give it everything I’ve got.”

Entering 2013, Carr has a 65 percent career completion percentage, with 7,760 career yards. This makes him only 3,048 yards shy of tying Kevin S we e n e y ’s 16-year-old Fresno State record of 10,623 yards.

In the first game of the 2013 season, Carr’s arm showed no signs of slowing down. He threw 53 completions in 74 attempts for 456 yards and five touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ overtime win against Rutgers. His passing yards already make him first in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) after Week 1 of play.

Now that the last hurrah has started, there is a humble beginning to it all.

Carr played high school football at Bakersfield Christian High School, where he led his team to a 12-1 record and threw for 4,067 yards (ranked third in California) and 46 touchdowns in his senior year. Voted the Private School National Player of the Year, he was recruited by top schools such as Louisiana State University, Notre Dame, Alabama, University of Southern California, and University of California, Berkeley before deciding on Fresno State.

And at Fresno State, he soon found out the difference between college football and high school football.

Carr made his Fresno State debut on Sep. 5, 2009, in the third quarter of a 42-0 Bulldogs lead against UC Davis. Despite the hefty lead, there were still butterflies in his stomach as he was introduced to 37,267 fans.

“I’ve never played in front of that many people in my life,” he said. “I remember my first play ... I knew I wasn’t going to hand the ball off. I went ahead and threw it out to my receiver, Devin Wylie. [He] actually caught my first pass.”

After that first completion, a weight was lifted off Carr’s shoulders.

“I was like, ‘Oh, OK, it’s not too bad.’ It

happened a lot faster than it does during high school,” he said.

Carr saw considerable playing time as Ryan Colburn’s backup during his freshman season. He played in five games, where he made 10 completions out of 14 attempts for 112 yards. In 2010, Carr redshirted, choosing to spend extra time getting bigger in the weight room than playing on the field.

“Coming out of high school, I was a 185, 190-pound quarterback,” he said. “I knew that I’m not going to reach my full potential for a long time. And now, this being my fifth year, I’m glad I redshirted.”

And that was a good decision for Carr. In 2011, he made his first start facing the California Golden Bears at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Despite a weak offensive line in front of him (he was sacked four times), he threw for 142 yards and was 21 of 33 in a 21-36 defeat. After a second loss to No. 10 Nebraska, the Bulldogs headed back to Bulldog Stadium, where he got his first starting win against North Dakota.

He finished 2011 with 3,544 yards, which was the thirdmost in Bulldogs’ history and most ever by a Bulldog sophomore. He averaged 278.2 yards per game, 22nd in the nation and threw to 15 different receivers that year, completing 62.6 percent of his passes (279-446).

2012 brought change for Carr and the Bulldogs. Head coach Pat Hill left the Fresno State program and replacing him was Texas A&M University defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter. Carr and his teammates adjusted well to DeRuyter’s new style of play. The Bulldogs reversed their record from the previous season and became Mountain West co-champions.

During those years, Carr grew physically and mentally. “[Making mistakes] keeps me grounded. That’s what keeps me humble,” he said.

“I don’t get caught up in the stats, the words, all that kind of stuff. If I made a mistake, what can I do tomorrow to fix it. Was it my mindset, my feet, my eyes? I’m always trying to get better. I never get comfortable.”

On Aug. 5, 2013, Carr welcomed his first son, Dallas Derek Carr, into the world. What the Red Wave knew was that Carr was a happy father and it was a blessing experience. What they didn’t know was that little Dallas Carr was making his father grow even more.

Dallas would suffer a medical condition that would test Carr’s mental strength. And it was a test that Carr would pass. He pushed through the scare, keeping a smile on the field and not telling anyone how he was feeling inside. It wasn’t until Dallas made it home safely that the details of this scare would become public.

This event not only strengthened Carr, but also brought him in tune with his emotions.

“I think my son made me soft,” he said after the Bulldogs’ win over Rutgers. “I sat there and bawled my eyes out.

I can’t explain why - I’m not a crier.”

Now, after winning the championship last season, there is still more work to do.

“We want to win every game,” he said. “In the most humble way, we think we can go out and win every game.”

One thing that is on Carr’s mind is the Heisman Trophy.

Photos by Roe Borunda / The Collegian

Fresno State quarterback Derek Carr (4) and safety Derron Smith (13) will represent Fresno State as team captains this season.

Jeremiah Toma (32) and Austin Wentworth (72) were picked as captains by teammates and coaches for the season opener.

Photo illustration by Roe Borunda / The Collegian

“In the most humble way, we think we can go out and win every game.”

See LEGACY, Page 3

Cornerback Charles Washington helped stave off Rutgers in overtime, deflecting a pass from intended to Brandon Coleman from Gary Nova during a two-point conversion play in overtime. The Bulldogs came away with a 52-51 win.

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Visit us at collegian.csufresno.edu for updates on the Bulldogs

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THE COLLEGIAN 2013 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 6

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL

Lethal Weapons

Photos by Roe Borunda / The Collegian

Josh Harper

Isaiah Burse

Davante Adams

Marcel Jensen

Fresno State returns an experienced group of pass catchers this season. Josh Harper, Isaiah Burse, Davante Adams and Marcel Jensen will provide stability in the Bulldog’s passing game and for quarterback Derek Carr.

Deep receiver corps aims for high production

By Christopher Livingston The Collegian

Fresno State enters the 2013 season after finishing eighth in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) in receiving yards and sixth in touchdowns.

And with an arsenal of players such as seniors Marcel Jensen and Isaiah Burse, junior Josh Harper and redshirt sophomore Davante Adams, the Bulldogs are aiming for a higher ranking in 2013.

And one thing is certain: they will not settle for anything less.

“I’m blessed to have all the weapons that we do have,” quarterback Derek Carr said. “I’m blessed that we have a system to put them all on the field at once.

“Davante had a great year last year, and when they want to double team him then Harp’s out there. And when you want to plow him, then you have to cover Burse with your third-best one.

And when you want to cover him, then we have Marcel, who runs like a deer.”

“Now it’s all about just putting them to work.”

Josh Harper Harper’s main focus is to stay healthy. In 2012, his sophomore year, he missed opening night with a hamstring injury and did not play in the final seven games of the season with a sports hernia.

“I want to continue production on the field every day: get better and keep producing,” Harper said.

In Fresno State’s first game against Rutgers, Harper produced. He tallied 94 yards for two touchdowns in the Bulldogs’ overtime victory.

His longest play was a 16-yard completion during the third quarter. Eight plays later, he would score on an 11-yard play that would give the Bulldogs the lead.

Harper’s most important play came with 38

seconds remaining in regulation.

Harper made a two-yard reception that tied the g ame. This play would send the Bulldogs to their first overtime game since the New Mexico B ow l i n 2 0 0 9 , when they lost to Wyoming in two overtimes.

“I

’m blessed to have all the weapons that we do have. I’m blessed that we have a system to put them all on the field at once.”

Davante Adams Adams, the sophomore from Palo Alto, is looking to add to his resume. The Mountain West Freshman Player of the Year, Adams was only the second freshman in MWC history to be named to the first-team. He was Carr’s main target, leading the MWC in every receiving category.

“We have a lot of guys that are making big plays and we have a lot of threats,” Adams said.

“With Josh and Isaiah, it takes a lot of pressure off of me.”

And that status has continued. In the Bulldogs’ opener, he had 148 receiving yards (leading the MWC) and two touchdowns.

Isaiah Burse Burse, the 6-foot, 187-pound senior from Modesto, suffered an injury during fall camp, but rebounded in time to play in the opener. He had 118 receiving yards in the game, and 47 yards as

SATURDAY

FRESNO STATE HOSTS CAL POLY AT 7 P.M. AT BULLDOG STADIUM

— Derek Carr, Fresno State quarterback the punt returner.

“I didn’t know that Derek [Carr] was going to try to use me that much,” Burse said after the win.

“But when he does, I try to make the most of it.”

Burse ended 2012 third in school history with 4,504 career yards. Despite being third place in total yards in the MWC last year, he led the conference in longest play: a 97-yard touchdown reception at New Mexico that set an MWC record.

BULLDOGS BY THE NUMBERS

2,835

Number of receiving yards

by Adams, Burse, Harper and Jensen in 2012

470

Number of total passing yards for Derek Carr in Fresno State’s win against Rutgers

148

Number of passing yards for Davante Adams, which led the team during the game

43

Number of receptions from Adams, Burse, Harper and Jensen in the game

28

The total amount of touchdowns by the four receivers in 2012

Marcel Jensen Jensen, a tight end, is still adjusting to offensive coordinator Dave Schramm’s spread offense.

At 6-foot-6 inches and 270 pounds, the need for him to stay agile is a challenge.

“Whatever the need from me, I’m going to go out there and give 100 percent,” Jensen said. “ Adjusting from a pro-style offense to a fasterpaced spread offense has proven to be a challenge for Jensen.

“It’s been a battle trying to stay in shape, because I’m a bigger guy and not a receiver,” he said. “I see it more as half-receiver, half-offensive lineman because I have to get out there and block.

“My coaching staff and [strength and conditioning coach Joey] Boese did a great job with us over the summer. It’s definitely a huge difference from the pro-style to the spread offense.”

27

The longest passing play in Thursday night’s game, made by Davante Adams during the 4th quarter

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

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THE COLLEGIAN 2013 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

Going the distance

SPENCER: New golf coach had storied collegiate career at Fresno State

CROSS COUNTRY

Running a lifetime passion, lifestyle for Bulldog athletes

By Ricardo Cano The Collegian

season fueled by self-motivation. Per NCAA rules, coaches are not permitted to run summer workouts. Runners have Fresno State cross-country coach to maintain their mileage as they progSean McManus said running always ress toward the start of the season. came easy for him. He ran in “turkey “If your not willing to work hard, in trots” as a kid, fluidly with little effort. particular when people aren’t looking, And Lyndsie then you’re not going Etherton, a to be very successt’s so satisfying being able to run Bullard High ful in cross-country,” every day in practice and seeing graduate who got McManus said “It it pay off when we’re in the actual her first taste in takes a big commitraces.” elementary school ment all summer. We participating in — Lyndsie Etherton, can’t sit around all “fun runs,” found Buldogs cross country athlete summer and then just running came show up to practice.” natural for her, as The benefits come well. during the season.

“I was better at it than any other “It’s so satisfying being able to run sport,” she said. every day in practice and seeing it pay Fresno State, gearing up for the off when we’re in the actual races,” upcoming season, features a roster of Etherton said. homegrown talent – runners from local Fresno State opens the season on high schools who know how to run the Sept. 14 when it hosts the Fresno State local courses and under the hot Central Invitational at Woodward Park – the site Valley sun. of the 2014 Mountain West Conference Running might come natural, though Championships on the dirt-and-grass the challenge of the sport lies in the course that Vartanian has ran on since intricacies that come with condition- third grade. ing, said senior Danny Vartanian, a The Bulldogs host San Jose State, Buchanan High graduate.

CSU Bakersfield, Cal State Fullerton and “You have to do the little things,” said William Jessop College in the introducVartanian, who estimates he’s logged tory meet of the season. more than 10,000 miles since coming to Vartanian is expected to have a big Fresno State. “You can’t stay up late. You season. “He’s been our No. 1 guy, at can’t be partying. You have to eat right times, throughout the last couple of and just take care of your body.” years,” McManus said. “We expect him Those little things include an off- to be up there.”

CONTINUED from page 8

Tonkham and Jessup bring a dose of needed consistency to a Bulldogs lineup that will face early challenges, Spencer said. Their status as the team’s leaders was made evident quickly: “Through the first week of practice you already know that,” Spencer said.

T h e S a i n t M a r y ’s C o l l e g e Invitational in Monterey on Sept.

23-24 features Cal, which was topranked nationally last season.

“They’re going to get thrown right into the fire,” Spencer said, “and I think they’re going to react well. Like I said, we have a good returning core, but we need those young guys to step up and help them out.”

Spencer spent the last three seasons as head coach of Nevada’s women’s golf program and was a graduate assistant at Fresno State during the 2004-05 season.

A Mountain West Conference Championship is Fresno State’s main goal heading into this season.

“Overall, we’re a young team,” Spencer said. “But we do have a good mix of veterans on the team, which will allow us to have some experience going into the season. But progressing throughout the season is something we’re definitely going to do.”

“I

Khlarissa Agee / The Collegian

Fresno State senior Danny Vartanian runs along the vineyards near Lot Q Thursday morning. Vartanian estimates he’s logged more than 10,000 miles since arriving at Fresno State.

C

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THE COLLEGIAN 2013 FALL SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 8

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2013

Packing A Punch VOLLEYBALL

WOMEN’S GOLF

Milberger heads young program

By Ricardo Cano The Collegian

Khlarissa Agee / The Collegian

Khlarissa Agee / The Collegian

Brad Soo / The Collegian

The Fresno State volleyball team returns most of its starters from last season, including seniors Korrin Wild (left), Lauren Albertson (center) and Marissa Brand.

Bulldogs return veteran talent up front

By Christopher Livingston The Collegian

One point at a time -- that’s the mantra of the Fresno State women’s volleyball team.

Finishing 2012 with 18 wins and 13 losses, improvement is the goal for 2013. The Bulldogs boast a veteran team, consisting of five seniors, and have prepared tirelessly over the summer for the season.

“We have two new setters, so we have been working a lot on offense,” Fresno State volleyball coach Lauren Netherby-Sewell said. “We have worked on just getting our tempos of our sets down and getting our hitters in rhythm.

“Where we’re a little off is our defense. Our blocking still has a long way to go, and we’ve been working on that quite a bit.”

Netherby-Sewell begins her sixth season as Fresno State coach. Last year’s 18-13 record was the Bulldogs’ best, and the only season in which they finished with more wins than losses.

This season features plenty of veteran talent, which is important in mentoring the budding Bulldogs. This mixture of veterans and newcomers ensures that the Bulldogs will continue

“A

s a team, we’re just coming in each day, focusing on getting better and focusing on something we can work on.”

— Lauren Albertson, Fresno State middle blocker to produce year after year. lied 107 blocks (102 of them assisted).

Outside hitter Zana Bowens, a At the end of the season, she tallied sophomore, is looking to become a 360 points, averaging three points per leader for the future Bulldogs squad. game.

As a freshman last year, she appeared In this year’s senior class is Korrin in 30 matches. Sending the ball across Wild, the 5-foot-11-inch outside hitthe court like a bullet, she was third on ter from Kingsburg. As a junior last the team with 21 aces. year, Wild played in all 120 sets for the Cori Ehmen begins her first season Bulldogs. She led the team in doubleas a Bulldog, transferring from Iowa doubles (14), kills (407) and points Western Community College. Last (478). Now, with the 2013 Bulldog season, she had 816 assists and 51 kills Invitational in the books, Wild is and led the team to 43 wins and two already off to a fast start, with 36 kills losses. in 15 sets (a 2.4 average).

Middle blocker Maci Murdock Outside hitter Marissa Brand enters begins her junior year. Last season, 2013 having appeared in all but one she started every match and appeared of the Bulldogs’ matches in 2012. in every set for the Bulldogs. She hit She earned All-District honors from .332, which the College was third in the S p o r t s September 13-14 Mountain West Information The Bulldogs host the Fresno State Conference Directors Classic at the Save Mart Center (MWC) and talof America

(CoSIDA). She was second on the team in kills, with 369 and had a total of 407.5 points.

Holly Franks, the senior right side hitter, is playing her first season as a Bulldog after spending three years at Cal Poly. As a Mustang in 2012, she played in 108 sets and totaled 318 kills.

She earned all-tournment honors at USC and Utah.

Lauren Albertson, the senior middle blocker, aims to leave Fresno State on a high note. At 6-foot-3, she is a key player at the front line with the ability to deflect shots and protect the Bulldogs’ side of the court.

Last season, she played in 120 sets and 29 matches, starting 23 of them.

She ended the season with 165 points. five assists and 21 digs. In her career at Fresno State, she has 307 kills and 145 blocks.

Even though the lineup is stacked for the Bulldogs this season, conditioning never ends. There is always room for improvement and the team will dedicate time to ensure perfection.

After all, this team wants the top spot in the MWC. “As a team, we’re just coming in each day, focusing on getting better and focusing on something we can work on,” Albertson said.

The Fresno State women’s golf team – established in 2004 – enters Year 9 under new coach Emily Milberger, the program’s second head coach.

The program, itself, is young.

Fo r m e r c o a ch Angie CatesMoore was its first and only head coach before stepping down this summer.

The roster is experienced Head coach and has “seasonEmily Milberger ing,” Milberg er said, after coming off a third-place finish in last year’s Mountain West Conference Championships. Each Bulldog in the lineup made a top-20 individual finish in the 40-player field.

This season, Fresno State returns four seniors, a junior and a sophomore from a team that was 14 strokes away from winning the conference crown.

“We have two strong players who are returning with some really good resumes from the past couple of years in Hannah [Sodersten] and Madchen [Ly], but I’m excited as well,” Milberger said. “The senior class seems to be pretty determined on making it a good go-around for the final season.”

“We really have a lot of experience.

It’s really exciting to have that type of seasoning in our program, and it’s fun to have the newcomers, as well.”

Ly, a junior, and Sodersten, a sophomore, are local products who had successful prep careers at Clovis High and Clovis East High, respectively.

Both are expected to anchor a lineup that will also feature newcomer freshmen Sandra Livas – who has competed internationally – and Laura Scrivner.

The four seniors and the experience on the roster, Milberger said, are key for the Bulldogs, who have unfinished business in the postseason.

“We definitely are setting our sights on winning the Mountain West Championship,” Milberger said. “We finished third last year, so we’ve got a lot of excitement off of that.

“This is their final chapter here as Bulldogs, and I think they really want to cap it off with some good hardware.”

Milberger served as head coach at Montana for two seasons prior to coming to Fresno State. She played collegiately at Oklahoma from 200105, where she was a four-time National Golf Coaches Association Academic All-American.

MEN’S GOLF

Homegrown: Bulldog alumnus returns as head coach

By Ricardo Cano The Collegian Fresno State men’s golf coach Chad Spencer did not envision he would one day take over the seat of the head coach he once played under at the school he once starred at – not as a player, at least.

He calls it “a dream come true.”

As a player, Spencer was part of a Western Athletic Conference Championship-winning team in 2003, edging Tulsa in a come-from-behind finish with he and fellow teammates

Nick Watney and Ryan Carter busy putting things together anchoring the Bulldogs. He for the season – recruiting, was a first-team All-WAC making sure the team has selection and made an NCAA what it needs. The first week Regional appearance his of practice has been great. senior season in 2004. Fond We have some real talent on memories, he calls them. this team, and it’s exciting.”

As Fresno State’s new Spencer was picked coach, he’ll get to make more to succeed Mike Watney, of them.

Fresno State’s coach for 35 “It’s been incredible to be Head coach years whose teams brought able to come back to Fresno Chad Spencer home 12 conference chamState and to coach my alma pionships, produced 29 mater,” Spencer said. “That’s kind of All-Americans and made 33 NCAA a dream come true in itself. Been real appearances. His successor, Watney

said after news of “I think I can Spencer’s hire, was f o r g e my ow n t’s been incredible to be able to “one of my allpath and create come back to Fresno State and time favorite playa successful proto coach my alma mater.” ers… The Valley gram and continwill love him.” ue the legacy that “He’s (Watney) — Chad Spencer, he built.” a legend here in Spencer inherFresno State golf coach Fresno,” Spencer its a young team. said. “I’m going Sophomore Troix to forge my own Tonkham had a path as a coach. I’m going to obviously breakout season last year and Nate take things that I learned from him and Jessup returns as one of Fresno State’s use those things, but I’ll have my own two seniors. touch.

See SPENCER, Page 7

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