Thursday, August 6, 2009

WAC Commercials

The Western Athletic Conference is unveiling two commercials later today.

The first commercial focuses on the Conference as a whole. The commercial includes images from our diverse geographic locations, recent athletic success including Fresno State's College World Series victory and the final images of the Boise State / Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl game. Other images featured focus on the commitment each university has to both athletics and academics through recent facility (Idaho and Louisiana Tech) and campus renovations (Nevada) and enhancements.

The second commercial focus on the importance of sportsmanship and the traits we instill in our student-athletes and expect from our coaches and fans. The sportsmanship commercials feature student-athletes from all nine institutions. We traveled to Logan, Utah back in June to shoot the commercial. The SAAC student-athletes were meeting at that time and it was the perfect opportunity to film a representative from each institution while in one location. As you can see the SAAC student-athletes did a superb job in the commercial! SAAC stands for Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. Representatives from each campus have a monthly conference call to discuss ways to get involved in the community and issues they face as student-athletes. SAAC members are elected on campus by their peers and we have various sports represented on the board and in the commercial....football, swimming, basketball, golf, gymnastics and soccer and more.....

The Conference wide and Sportsmanship commercials will air on the WAC website, pre-game at WAC athletic events and during nationally televised games.

Monday, July 20, 2009


WAC compliance administrators enjoy some downtime at the Boise Hawks game with Humphrey the Hawk during their recent in-person summer meeting in Boise, ID. (photo left)

Representatives from all nine institutions were present for the meetings which took place July 15/16. The compliance officers reviewed existing policies, best practices and new and upcoming legislation.

Friday, July 17, 2009

Summer Update and New Projects!

I can't believe we are half way through the summer! It seems like the spring sports just concluded.

In the office things have been moving right along as we prepare for the upcoming fall season. That's right we are only 48 days out from the first football game....can you believe it?! Utah State will travel to Salt Lake City to take on Utah at 7pm MST and ESPN will televise the Oregon / Boise State game at 8:15pm MST on Thursday, September 3.

We have had a lot of projects in the hopper over the summer which are close to being complete. We have been working with row27 to create our sportsmanship and conference wide commercials. The sportsmanship commercial features student-athletes from each of our nine institutions and the conference wide commercial will focus on both academic and athletics. The commercial will feature photos and footage from each of our nine institutions. The commercials will air during WAC football games, on http://www.wacsports.com/, the WAC twitter and facebook pages as well as our blog.

We are also working with JumpTV, our website provider to redesign www.wacsports.com I think you are going to like the new features and look of the site. We are pleased with the drafts and are looking forward to the launch date which is still TBD...so keep checking http://www.wacsports.com/!

We are also in the process of filling the Associate Commissioner position....Darlene Bailey who previously held the position was named the Director of Athletics and Physical Education Department Chair of William Jewell College on May 20. We are so excited for Darlene!

We are currently looking at possible student-athlete gifts, championship merchandise, awards and closing the books on the 2008-2009 budget. Finally, we are in the process of finalizing our fall sport media guides! They will be available for download during the first week in August.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

WAC Commercials

It’s that time of year again, when conference offices’ and athletic departments across the country begin to film commercials for sportsmanship and football season and single game tickets. At the WAC we will film our sportsmanship commercial on Friday. We are working with a fantastic company, row27 on this commercial and two others (conference wide and basketball tournament).

Currently we are gathering footage for our conference wide commercial and I would like to know what you, the WAC fans think we should highlight in the commercial….we would like for the commercial to highlight our academic and athletic accomplishments from the past season. What type of shots, information do you think we should include / highlight in the commercial? Is there a particular commercial you have seen on the airwaves that really impressed you? Just post your recommendations and comments here on the WAC blog!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

NAPA Auto Parts WAC Baseball Tournament - Game Two - NM State / Fresno State

NM State wins game two of the NAPA Auto Parts WAC Baseball Tournament They will face the winner of the LA Tech/Hawai`i game tomorrow @ 7pm

NM State hits a three-run homer in the top of the 9th inning to reclaim the lead over Fresno State.


Heading into the top of the inning Fresno State takes the field. We are all tied up...Fresno State has four runs on ten hits and have committed one error. NM State has four runs on seven hits and no errors.

NM State takes the lead....4-3 with a single

We are tied up in the top of the eighth inning. NM State is up to bat with one out and have a runner at third

After a few innings of running promotions we are back for the final two innings of the game! Fresno State has three runs on five hits with no errors while NM State has two runs on eight hits and have committed one error.

With two outs and two runners on base Fresno State has an opportunity to increase the lead....but they can't capitalize....as we head into the top of the second Fresno State leads 2-1.

More trash talking fills the time....Paka and Paul (from a local radio station)
are arguing about basketball...

Fresno State takes the lead off of a Dusty Robinson two-run homer.

New Mexico State is off to a good start scoring a run off two hits in the top of the first.

The press box is alive with chatter over the Nuggets / Lakers game. Eddie Morelos, SID for NM State, who is currently sitting next to me is a HUGE Lakers fan while our SID host Pakalani Bello is a Nuggest/ Birdman fan...there is a lot of entertaining trash talking taking place.....

Fresno State takes the field first. Interesting fact about Les Murakami Stadium...they play on a turf surface...Nevada also plays on a turf surface.

Game two of the NAPA Auto Parts WAC Baseball Tournament is underway at Les Murakami Stadium in Honolulu, HI. The weather is gorgeous....sunny and 80!

NAPA Auto Parts WAC Baseball Tournament Game One Underway

San Jose State will take on the loser of the Fresno State/NM State game tomorrow at 3pm HST while Nevada will face the loser of the LA Tech/Hawaii game tomorrow at 11am HST

Heading into the top of the eighth inning San Jose State leads Nevada 5-1. A total of four home runs have been

We have an incredible view of Diamond Head from the press box!

The tournament is a double elimination format with three games played each day at 11a.m., 3p.m., and 7p.m. HST.

We are in the bottom of the third inning and we have already witnessed two home runs as the Spartans lead 4-1.

Today's game features the regular season champions and top seeded San Jose State Spartans and the sixth seeded Nevada Wolf Pack.

Welcome to the NAPA Auto Parts WAC Baseball Tournament. We are blogging live from Les Murakami Stadium on the campus of the University of Hawai`i in Honolulu. It's a beautiful day as you can imagine.....sunny skies and a little humidity.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

May Is A Busy Month!

Although we are only two weeks into the month of May, it has been very busy for the conference and our schools.....

The month started out with the WAC Softball Tournament in Fresno, CA. The Fresno State Bulldogs (36-18), WAC regular season co-champions won three consecutive games to earn the Tournament title and automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament. The Bulldogs play in the Los Angeles Regional and will face UNLV on Friday at 1p.m. Nevada, who shares the regular season co-champions honors lost one game en route to the championship game where they fell to Fresno State (3-2 in extra innings). Nevada (39-17) earned an at-large bid the NCAA Tournament and will travel to the Palo Alto Regional to face Cal Poly at 3p.m. on Friday.

This week Utah State is hosting the Outdoor Track and Field Tournament May 13-16 at Ralph Maughan Track Stadium. Boise State, Fresno State, Hawaii, Idaho, Louisiana Tech, Nevada, New Mexico State and Utah State will all compete for the tournament title and individual qualifying times and standards for the NCAA Regional (May 29-30).

The following week (May 21-24)the University of Hawai`i will host the NAPA Auto Parts WAC Baseball Tournament. The top six teams in the league will play for the tournament title and automatic berth to the NCAA Regional. As you are aware last years tournament champions, the Fresno State Bulldogs won the College World Series....
Tickets may be purchased by calling the University of Hawaii Athletic Ticket Office at (808) 944-2697 or online at http://etickethawaii.com/?DB_OEM_ID=10100.




Saturday, May 9, 2009

Fresno State Wins WAC Tournament Title

What a great tournament! We hope you have enjoyed the blogs!

Fresno State Wins The Tournament Title & Receives The Conference's Automatic Berth To The NCAA Tournament!


Extra innings for the third game in a row.

The Wolf Pack couldn't advance Patrick....we are still tied at 2 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning.

#20 Patrick reaches first base on a single for the Wolf Pack.

Gilleland was unable to outrun the throw to first base. we are still tied at two heading into the top of the seventh inning.

Fresno State has two outs and a runner at second base with #11 Gilleland in the batters box.

In the top of the sixth inning the Wolf Pack had one run on one hit...tying the game up at 2!

We are tied up at Bulldog Diamond as the Wolf Pack score a runner...the Pack have two outs and runners at first and second base.

A special thanks to Malcolm Butler, Louisiana Tech Assistant AD for Media Relation - He is doing the Nevada radio broadcast for Chad Hartley, Wolf Pack SID. Chad lost his voice during yesterday's radio broadcast.

As we head into the top of the sixth inning the Bulldogs are in the field. It's 87 degrees out and there are a ton of umbrellas in the stands and out on the lawn past the outfield fence.

The crowd is now singing along to Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline'

The Pack were unable to produce any runs in the top of the fifth inning....Fresno State 2 - Nevada 1

The Bulldogs end the inning with two runs on two hits.

The crowd is very vocal this afternoon....even when a fan catches or drops a foul ball they react with cheers or boos!

The Bulldogs have one out in the bottom of the fourth inning and have scored two runs and have a runner on first. The Wolf Pack have made a pitching change.....

#8 Phipps just hit the second double of the game with the ball bouncing from left field out of the ball park.

The Bulldogs start the inning with a double from #14 Angene.

The Wolf Pack ended the inning with S. Hunt stranded at third. Fresno State is up to bat....

The Wolf Pack score the first run of the game with a hit by Sarah Hunt, who now sits at third base.

In the top of the fourth inning the Wolf Pack have a runner on second and two outs. Sarah Hunt is currently in the batters box....lets see if she can make her way to first base.

After three complete innings Fresno State and Nevada are still tied at zero in the championship game of the WAC Softball Tournament.


Silagyi strikes out swinging. The Pack head into the field as we make our way into the bottom of the third inning.

The Wolf have runners on first and second base and two outs on the board...lets see if #2 Silagyi can load the bases.....

The Bulldogs ended the second inning with two runners left on base. We are still scoreless heading into the third inning.

Wolf Pack center fielder Sarah Hunt just made an UNBELIEVABLE diving catch!

The Bulldogs hit a pop fly to end the inning. After one compete inning we are tied at zero. The Wolf Pack are up to bat next.

A Bulldog single loads the bases.

In the bottom of the first inning the Bulldogs currently have one out and a runners are first and second base. The crowd is really behind the Bulldogs!!

The Wolf Pack were at bat first and were unable to get a runner past first base...the last out of the inning involved the first base runner getting thrown out at second base.

The Bulldogs are the home team in today's contest. Since the WAC Softball Tournament uses a double elimination bracket, if Fresno State loses this game the two teams will face off 30 minutes later since this would be the first loss of the tournament for the Bulldogs.

As you may have guessed, we are having ANOTHER wonderful day....the sun is out, there are no clouds in the sky and we have a slight breeze to help keep somewhat cool. Thankfully there are sun screen stations in the restrooms here at the stadium.

We have a good crowd today....fans are still walking into the facility and a number of fans have camped out behind the out field fence.

We are coming to you live from Bulldog Diamond on the campus of Fresno State....The Bulldogs and Wolf Pack are co-regular season champions and each are looking to claim the tournament title and automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Game eleven of the WAC Softball Tournament - Nevada / Louisiana Tech

The Nevada Wolf Pack will take on the Fresno State Bulldogs tomorrow afternoon at 2p.m. in the championship game of the WAC Softball Tournament.

Nevada wins the game in nine innings!

We are in the top of the ninth inning and are still tied at one a piece. Nevada has played a total of eighteen innings today since they played in the 4:30p.m. game this afternoon against Hawaii.

We a heading into extra innings for the second game in a row.....

The Wolf Pack end the inning with a runner on second ....Top of the seventh inning is about to begin

We just heard a loud WOLF PACK shout from the crowd to start off the inning...looks like it was a bit inspirational for the Pack as their first batter is now resting on first base.

We are still tied at one heading into the bottom of the sixth inning. The Wolf Pack are up to bat...

Just got in a fight with a five year old over a song....long day.

In the top of the fifth inning a Lady Techster player was thrown out trying to steal third base.

We still have a pretty good crowd at Bulldog Diamond....most the hats are off and the umbrellas have been put away as the sun goes down.

We are still tied at one heading into the top of the third inning.

The Wolf Pack runner on second attempted to score on a ball hit toward center field and was thrown out at home plate.

We are all tied up at one......a Nevada double allowed for the runner at second to score.

The Wolf Pack have two outs and a runner at second base.

For Louisiana Tech in the top of the inning there was one run off of one hit.

The Lady Techsters are on the board first with one run, one out and a runner currently at second base.

The Nevada Wolf Pack had a thirty minute rest period following their ten inning game against the Rainbow Wahine.

Well we are about to start the final game of today's three game stint. The winner of this game will play the top seeded Fresno State Bulldogs in the championship game of the WAC Softball Tournament.

Day three continues as Nevada faces Hawaii in the third day of the WAC Softball Tournament

And that's that ball game! Nevada defeats Hawaii in ten innings. The Wolf Pack will now play the Lady Techsters in 30 minutes.

The second Rainbow Wahine batter is thrown out at first base. One more out and the game is over!

The first batter of the inning is throw out at first base.

The inning ends with the Wolf Pack taking the lead 4-0 as we head into the bottom of the tenth inning. The Rainbow Wahine have to score two runs to go into the eleventh inning or three runs to win the game.

Nevada scores two runs and have a runner at second base with two outs in the top of the tenth inning. What a great two out rally for the Pack!

The Wolf Pack have a runner at first and second base and only one out on the score board.

The inning ends with a Rainbow Wahine batter at second base. Neither team can seem to get a runner past second base. The Wolf Pack are up to bat as we head into the top of the tenth.

We are now in the bottom of the ninth inning.....the Rainbow Wahine are up to bat and have no outs and a runner at first base.

The Wolf Pack batter was thrown out at first.

The Rainbow Wahine were unable to produce any runs ....so we are heading into the top of the ninth inning.

We have two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning with a Rainbow Wahine runner on first base.

Nevada had one hit in the inning but couldn't advance their runner past second base. We are still tied at two heading into the bottom of the eighth inning.

We are now heading into extra innings tied at two.

The Rinbow Wahine start out the inning with a pop fly.

We are tied at two heading into the bottom of the seventh inning.

Nevada needed to step up in this inning and they did! The Pack have two outs and a runner on first and third base.

That's a tie ball game folks! Mika's single allowed another run by the Wolf Pack. The Pack have one out and a runner at first base.

The first play of the game the first baseman touches the bag for an out...the second play is a triple! The Wolf Pack are in scoring position.....

Nevada has to score another run in order to stay alive....otherwise the game is over and UH will advance to the next game.

A throw from the short stop to first base gives the Rainbow Wahine the third out of the inning.

UH scores another run - out running the throw home that was dropped by the catcher.
The runner at second was thrown out at third for the first out of the inning.
In the bottom of the sixth inning Hawaii has runners on first and second base.

Hawaii just tied the game on an RBI-triple by Audrey Andrade.

Pitching change for Nevada - Mallary Darby. She strikes out the first two batters she faces.

We just had a throwing error by the catcher to second base that was about 4 feet high.

The winner of this game will play the Lady Techsters this evening at 7 p.m. The winner of that game will face the top seeded Fresno State Bulldogs in the championship game tomorrow afternoon at 2 p.m.

The Rainbow Wahine have a number of fans in attendance for this afternoon's game.

The third out comes from a strike out.
She strikes
A Rainbow Wahine start out the bottom of the third inning with a double play.

After two complete innings of play Nevada 1 - Hawaii 0

The Rainbow Wahine just had a double play to end the inning.

The Wolf Pack are on the score board and have the bases loaded with one out.

The Wolf Pack have runners on second and third due to an error.

The Wolf Pack off the second inning with a single.

Game ten of the Western Athletic Conference Softball Tournament featuring the fourth seeded Rainbow Wahine and the second seeded Nevada Wolf Pack. The Rainbow Wahine are the home team for the game and took the field first allowing one walk and zero hits.

Day Three of the WAC Softball Tournament

The top seeded Fresno State Bulldogs advanced to the championship game after defeating the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters 5-0. The Lady Techsters will play the winner of the Hawaii / Nevada game this evening at 7 p.m.

The Lady Techsters have been unable to score as we head into the top of the seventh inning.

The pitching change seems to have helped as the Bulldogs have two outs with the bases loaded.

The Bulldogs have the bases loaded and zero outs....the Lady Techsters just replaced their pitcher....

The Bulldogs have five runs on ten hits and have committed no errors. The Lady Techsters have zero runs, two hits and zero errors.

We just learned the story behind the Bulldogs playing Sweet Caroline. Apparently they used to play Cotton Eyed Joe and an unnamed fan would get up and dance...the fan requested that a new song be played in place...the Fresno State announcer "Worm" stole the idea from the movie Fever Pitch...thus Sweet Caroline is now a tradition at Bulldog Stadium

That is five strikeouts in a row....

Melloh is now #1 and #2 in the WAC record books for strikeouts in a season.

The fans are ALL singing along to Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline

Morgan Melloh just had her 400th strikeout of the season, tying her for third on the WAC leader board for strikeouts in a season.

The Bulldogs just scored another run increasing their lead to 4-0

We just had our third double of the inning by the Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs have two doubles in a row and now lead 2-0.

Looks like some more fans have made their way into the stadium....we're guessing the attendance is up to 750

We are now in the top of the fourth inning and the Bulldogs are up 1-0 and up to bat....they start the inning out with a double.

The inning ends with only three batters....

The Bulldogs were unable to score a run. Fresno State has one run on three hits with no errors. The Lady Techsters have zero runs, two hits and have committed zero errors.

In the top of the third inning the Bulldogs have runners on first and second with two outs on the board.

We have a few umbrellas up today...so smart...the sun is just beating down out here!

The crowd is filled with straw hats...I don't think I have ever seen this many straw hats in one location.

The Lady Techsters had one hit but were unable to produce any runs....the Bulldogs are up to bat and are already on base.

The crowd is extremely loud at today's game and are into every play.

The Bulldogs are on the board in the top of the first inning. A run was scored on a single that was hit into shallow right field.

The Lady Techsters are the home team in today's contest and are on the field first.

We have a decent size crowd....we are estimating between 200 and 250 in attendance...not bad for a Friday afternoon....

The crowd is predominantly in red with a few sprinkles of blue....During BP and infield the FS athletic department provided the fans and student athletes with some stellar music selections.

It's a lovely day at Bulldog Diamond...the sun is shining (shocking) and we have a view of Yosemite from the Press Box. It's a warm 82 degrees in Fresno.

We are back for the third day of the WAC Softball Tournament. The first game of today's three game stint features our host and top seeded Fresno State Bulldogs and the the fourth seeded and WAC Tournament defending champs the Lady Techesters.

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Wolf Pack take on the Aggies in the final game of day two of the WAC Softball Tournament

That's it for day two action from Bulldog Diamond. We are outta here!

The Wolf Pack will continue their quest for the WAC Tournament title when they play the Rainbow Wahine tomorrow at 4:30p.m. The first game of day three is at 2p.m. when the top seeded Fresno State Bulldogs play the Lady Techsters at Bulldog Diamond.

Wolf Pack 4 - Rainbow Wahine 1

Pitching change for Nevada - Mallory Darby in now in for the Wolf Pack in the top of the sixth inning.

Little Luke Baily cruising for chicks in the stands

Footlose cut loose...

The Wolf Pack just scored two run and only have one out....the Wolf Pack lead with three runs on five hits and have one error and the Aggies have one run, three hits and one error.

The sun has just gone down and the stadium lights are on....we had a spectacular sunset this evening.

Pitching change for NM State in the bottom of the fifth.

We are still tied at one a piece heading into the bottom of the fifth inning.

The inning ends and we are tied at one heading into the bottom of the bottom of the fourth inning.

The Rainbow Wahine are on the board and have a runner on second and third base with two outs.

The Wolf Pack end the inning with one run on two hits and no errors.

Pitching change for new Mexico State.

Patrick scores the first run of the game and for the Wolf Pack. Micka is on first base.
Patrick hits a double - two outs remain.

Second out is a pop fly to center field.

First out of the bottom of the third inning is an infield pop fly.

We are still scoreless heading into the third inning.

We are on our second Billy Joel song....life is good.

Let me tell you....the fans are going nuts for the WAC t-shirt toss!

New Mexico State had no runs on one hit with one runner left on base after the top of the first inning New Mexico is scoreless and the Wolf Pack are up to bat.

#23 Jennings walks to first base.

Randall strikes out

Randall has a full count
#4 Kristy Randall leads off for the Aggies

We are the game some techno music

The winner of this game will play Hawaii tomorrow afternoon at 4:30p.m. while the loser of the game goes home

We are just about to start the final game of the evening featuring the second seeded Nevada Wolf Pack and the fifth seeded New Mexico State Aggies

Game Seven - No. 3 Hawaii vs. No. 7 Boise State

The Rainbow Wahine take the game with the eight run rule.....UH has ten runs on 12 hits two errors while Boise State had two runs on four hits and committed three errors.

A Boise State double in the bottom of the fifth inning.

The Rainbow Wahine had 2 runs on 2 hits and lead ten to zero.

Hawaii leads the game 8-0.

There are quite a few Boise State fans in attendance at this evening's game.

The Rainbow Wahine have eight runs on ten hits and have no errors. The Broncos have zero runs, one hit and have committed two errors.

#24 Tavoli'i hits a triple! The Rainbow Wahine now lead 5-0.

The Rainbow Wahine are back at bat in the top of the third inning and have scored one run and have runners on second and third base.

Coach Turner is meeting with his pitcher and catcher out on the mound

The Broncos have one out and a runner at second base

#15 Capabianco leads off for the Broncos

The Rainbow Wahine were unable to reach a base this inning

The Broncos were unable to produce any runs....as we head into the top of the second inning the Rainbow Wahine lead 2-0

We are rocking out to a little NSYNC - Bye Bye Bye

The Rainbow Wahine scored two runs on three hits to end the top of the first inning.

UH score's another run -only one out on the board.
With one out the Rainbow Wahine have a runner at second.

Hawaii's #6 Milca starts the game off right with a homerun!

We have a pretty good crowd in attendance at Bulldog Diamond for this afternoons game.

Boise State is in the field first.

This is the second game of the day for the Broncos - they lost the first game of the day to Fresno State who will play Louisiana Tech tomorrow in the winners bracket.

We are just about to start game seven of the WAC Tournament between the seventh seeded Boise State Broncos and the third seeded Rainbow Wahine.

Game Seven of the tournament is now underway - NM State /SJSU

That's the ball game folks. NM State will play the winner of the Nevada / Hawaii game tomorrow at 4:30 pm.

The Aggies just scored to increase their lead - 6- 1. NM State has runners on first and third. with Angie Ortega up to bat.

After five and a half innings of play the Aggies lead the Spartans 5 - 1

Fangonilo hits a double and the Spartans score their first run of the game. The Aggies now lead 5- 1

S. Taylor leads off for the Spartans and reaches first base on an error. #42 Fangonilo is up next.
The Spartans are up to bat in the top of the sixth inning.

Aggie's Baumhover is up to bat...the Aggies have a runner on second and third....but she strikes out.

New Mexico State has five runs off ten hits and have committed one error while San Jose State has zero runs, three hits and one error.

The Spartans were unable to come up with any runs in the inning.

#21 Aiello hits a double. San Jose State has runners at second and third base with only one out. #20 Schatz is in the batters box. The Spartans are still scoreless but are in scoring position.

The Aggies were unable to score any runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. The Aggies lead 5-0.

Jones hits the ball to the third baseman and is thrown out at first base.

The Aggies are up in the bottom of the fourth inning with one out and no one on base. #1 Jones is in the batters box with a count of one and one.

The inning ends with no runs for SJSU.

A close call for the Aggie second baseman and center fielder as they both went for the pop fly....thankfully there was no collision. The second baseman makes the play for the first out of the inning.

In the top of the third the Aggie infield congregates to talk with their coach.

We are now in the bottom of the second inning and NM State has already scored a run with two outs on the board.

Born in the USA takes us into the top of the second inning. The Aggies lead 4-0.

Maroda hits a double and brings in an RBI. NM State has a runner stationed at third.

Nohaun singles and receives an RBI. NM State has a runner at first and third base.

Jennings #23, walks while Randall sits at second.

#1 Jones hits it to the short stop and is thrown out at first base while Randall advances to second base.

Leading off for the Aggies is Kristi Randall. Randall singles to center field

San Jose State is sporting banana color colored jerseys.

Fangonilo strikes out swinging...that three in a row for San Jose State.

A foul pop fly is caught by the Aggie 3rd baseman.

San Jose State starts out the game with a pop fly to center field.

Game five of the WAC Softball Tournament is just about to start as the fifth seeded New Mexico State Aggies face the sixth seeded San Jose State Spartans.

Wolf Pack and Lady Techsters face off in the fifth game of the WAC Softball Tournament

The Wolf Pack will play the winner of the NM State/SJSU game which is slated 2:30p.m.
The Lady Techsters will play the top seeded Fresno State Bulldogs tomorrow afternoon at 2:00p.m.

The Wolf Pack hit a ball directly to the second baseman to end the game.
Patrick hits a line drive right into the glove of the Lady Techster short stop.

#20 Patrick is up with a two and two count
The first Wolf Pack batter struck out

Heading into the top of the seventh inning Louisiana Tech still hold a 4-0 lead over the Wolf Pack

As we head into the bottom of the inning La Tech still leads 4-0.

La Tech has two outs on the inning as #22 Kirby steps into the batters box.

The Lady Techsters are up to bat and looking to increase their lead over the Pack.
Both San Jose State and New Mexico state are on site taking BP. They play this afternoon at 2:30p.m.

Murdock strikes out looking ending the inning. The Pack have zero runs, six hits and have no errors. The Lady Techsters have four runs on six hits and have committed no errors.

Puzzy walks bringing Murdock up to the plate. The bases are not loaded by the Pack.

The Wolf Pack have two outs and a runner on first and second with B. Puzey at bat.

A little Journey takes us into the bottom of the fourth inning as the Lady Techsters are up to bat

Wolf Pack batter #22 Murdock hit a single to reach first base.

#14 Kylie Bassett just hit one out of the park to increase the Lady Techster score to 4-0! What an inning for Louisiana Tech!

#1 Waits just hit a single to reach first base.

Daniel Sheridan hit a two run home run to put the Lady Techesters on the board. (2-0) The Lady Techsters are the WAC Softball Tournament defending champions....

The Lady Techsters just tallied another hit as #3 Heather Doiron hit a single to reach first base.

Puzey get the third out of the inning. We are still scoreless heading into the bottom of the third inning.

We have some vocal fans in attendance.

#13 Puzey is up for the Wolf Pack - with a runner on first and second base

The Wolf Pack have tow outs and one runner on first base.

Patirck hits an infield pop fly that is caught by Lady Techster short stop.
#20 Patrick is up to bat with a two and two count
First Wolf Pack batter hits it to the first baseman and is out at the bag.

The Wolf Pack had three outs in a row...

The Wolf Pack take the field here in the bottom of the second inning.

La Tech brought quite a few fans to the tournament.

Game two featuring the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Louisiana Lady Techsters is now underway.
We are in the top of the second inning and each team has one hit but neither has scored a run at this point.

Day Two of the WAC Softball Tournament

That's the game folks....Fresno State advances in the winner bracket and plays tomorrow at 2:00p.m. The Bronco's will now play Hawaii at 4:45p.m. this afternoon.

The second game of today's five game stint features New Mexico State and San Jose State. First pitch is slated for 12:15

The Bronco's have their first out of the inning from a pop fly to third base.

The inning ends with the Bulldogs scoring four runs on three hits.

A wild pitch allows the Bulldog runner on first to advance to second base. The Bulldogs are currently in a two out rally

The crowd exploded after each hit!

Another Fresno State single brings in two more runs! The Bulldogs are now up 4-0

Lujon hits a single between right and center field scoring two runs! The Bulldogs lead 2-0 in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The Bulldogs have the bases loaded. Lets see if #12 Alexis Lujon can make something happen.....

Fresno State now has a runner on second and first after a walk.

Fresno State knocked one out of the park but just passed the foul ball line....#25 Moses heads back to the batters box.

The Bulldogs have one out and a runner on second.
Fresno State just got their third hit of the game.

For our Fresno State fans you can now follow Bulldog Athletics on Twitter - just search FS Athletics

Heading into to the top of the sixth inning we are still scoreless.

New Kids on the Block is now entertaining the crowd...a little fact...the New Kids on the Block will appear on the TODAY show tomorrow morning.

Boise State and Fresno State each have two hits in the game as we remain scoreless.

Boise State's center fielder #2 Tazz Weatherly just made an unbelievable diving catch!

Fresno State gets another hit as #3 Caitlin Stiglich reaches second base on an error

Fresno State has two outs in this inning...the first was a strike out the second was a foul ball pop fly.

Fresno State has a store that sells local products and we have some yogurt covered almonds and some dark chocolate raisins...both are fantastic!

The Bronco's head back into the infield for the bottom of the fourth inning while ACDC plays over the speakers.

We are still scoreless heading into the top of the fourth inning.

Fresno State has their first hit of the game!

Boise State has two hits while Fresno State is still looking for their first hit of the game as we head into the bottom of the third inning.

The Broncos start out the inning with a runner on first and the second batter is retired with a strike out.

We had our first broken bat of the tournament.

A pop fly ends the inning. The Bulldogs return to the infield while we listen to a little 'Brown Eyed Girl'

The Bronco's return to the infield for the bottom of the second inning.

Quote of the day so far.... 'I rock' - little Luke Bailey.
Straton strikes out to end the inning.

M. Moses get the foul ball out as #6 Straton enters the batters box.

We are now in the top of the second inning - still scoreless.

We have a pretty good crowd for today's first game. There is a lot of red out there!

'That was three up three down' - Hope Shuler, Director of Media Relations.

Fresno State has two outs with no runners on bases. M. Moses is up to the plate.

On the mound for the Bronco's is # 8 Allie Crump.

Melloh struck out Viers-Gordillo to end the inning.

Boise State has the bases loaded with two outs and #11 A. Viers-Gordillo in the batters box.

Boise State has two outs with runners on first and second base. Fresno State's licensing and trademark representative just brought the press box ice cream....hooray!

Pitching for the Bulldogs is Morgan Melloh. Boise State has one out and a runner on first base in the top of the first inning.

The Bulldogs are the home team in today's game and are in the field first.

The first game of the day features the seventh seeded Boise State Broncos (this is their inaugural year in the WAC) and the top seeded Fresno State Bulldogs. The Bronco's are 22 and 28 while the Bulldogs are 33 and 18 on the season.

Good morning! We are just about to start day two of the WAC Softball Tournament. It's another beautiful day in Fresno. It's a breezy 66 degrees this morning and the sun is out! We have another perfect view of Yosemite.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Game Three of the WAC Softball Tournament Underway

That's the ball game ladies and gentlemen! Louisiana Tech 7 - Hawaii 1

Home run for UH. That puts them up on the scoreboard. (7-1)

La Tech increases the lead to 7-0 in the top of the seventh inning.

A UH double play closes out the inning La Tech leads 4-0.

Louisiana Tech hits their second home run of the game! (fourth of the tournament)

Heading into the top of the sixth inning Louisiana Tech still leads 3-0. The Lady Techsters have three runs on four hits and have no errors while Hawaii has zero runs with four hits and have committed one error.

Great catch by Hawaii's center fielder!

Double play by Louisiana Tech closes out the inning.

Louisiana Tech just hit the third home run of the tournament...they now lead 3-0.

Louisiana Tech leads the game with two runs on three hits and no errors while Hawaii has zero runs, three hits and one error.

Tech closes out the inning with only 4 batters

Louisiana Tech scores the first two runs of the game in the top of the third inning.

The Wahine were unable to advance their runners. We are still scoreless heading into the third inning.

The Rainbow Wahine have runners on second and third...lets see if they can produce a run or two before the inning ends.

UH has runners on first and second base.

Heading into the bottom of the second inning we are still tied at zero. Hawaii is up to bat....

Fresno State's Kristina Netzler has been selecting the tunes all day and has done a fantastic job...we are currently listening to come on ride the train
After a full inning of play the score is 0-0.

The Wahine close out the inning. A little Aruba, Jamaica.... is hitting the the airwaves here at Bulldog Stadium.

The Rainbow Wahine take the field first and are warming up to TNT's 'Thunderstruck'

The Fresno State ground crew has done an excellent job! The field looks amazing.

The UH baseball team strolled into the ball park a few minutes to support Rainbow Wahine. The UH baseball team plays Fresno tomorrow afternoon.

Game three of the Western Athletic Conference is starting thirty minutes behind schedule due to the first game going into extra innings. Right now Hawaii and Louisiana Tech are warming up.

It's an absolutely beautiful evening in Fresno. The sun is starting to set and we have a clear view of the mountains from the press box at Bulldog Diamond.

Game Two of the WAC Softball Tournament

The Rainbow Wahine take on the Lady Techsters in approximately thirty minutes.

Nevada just defeated the Aggies 5-4.

#10 Beach up to bat. Beach strikes out looking.
The UH Baseball team just showed up to show support for their Rainbow Wahine softball team who plays in the next game.

Haight hits a pop fly caught by the third baseman.

The Wolf Pack are up to bat #11 Haight makes her way to the batters box.
The Aggies close out the inning. Nevada leads 5-4!!

Maroda hits the foul pole and earns a homerun! The Aggies pull within one.
#17 Maroda hits a foul ball close to the fence.

Ortega hits the second homerun of the tournament and brings the Aggies within two of the Wolf Pack.

The Wolf Pack are back on the field for the start of the sixth inning. #24 Ortega is up to bat. Ortega hits a foul ball to start off

Murdock was a few inches away from a homer, but instead hit a foul ball off the left field fence.

The Aggies take the infield and #22 B. Murdock steps into the batters box.

Jennings hits the ball to the short stop and is thrown out at first base. After four and a half innings of play the Wolf Pack lead the Aggies 5- 2.

#23 Jennings now up. The Aggies have two outs and one runner on third base.
# 1 Jones makes her way to the batters box and is one and one. Jones strikes out.
Randall steals second while K. Randall strikes out.

#4 K. Randall makes her way to home plate as her sister sits at first base.
Up first for the Aggies is #21 Randall. Randall hits one between short stop and third base.
A little Vanilla Ice is entertaining the crowd while the Wolf Pack take the infield.

#13 Puzey is thrown out at first base to end the inning.

#2 Silagyi hits one up the middle to the center fielder and earns a RBI bringing in another run and increase their lead. 5-2

The Wolf Pack score and lead 4-2.

Beach hits it to short stop and is thrown out at first base.

The Wolf Pack head to the plate next. Leading off for Nevada is #11 J. Haight. Haight strikes out bringing #11 Beach to the plate.

Our ears are now being graced with a little John Mellencamp...who doesn't love a little Jack and Diane.

#17 Maroda hits a single and earns an RBI. The Aggies end the inning trailing 2-3 heading into the fourth inning.
#5 Autry steps up while a pitch hitter takes over at first base for Nohara.

Nohara hits a fly ball which finds its way to the center fielders glove. #24 Ortega makes her way to the plate next. She hits the ball directly between the short stop and left fielder. Ortega sits at first base.

Up first for the Aggies is #23 Jennings. Jennings hit a double. Up next #26 Nohara.

We were just just treated to a little "Kung Fu Fighting"

D. Bailey carries Lysol wipes with her...she did this prior to the swine flu...thankfully she is prepared so we can clean up a little mess that was created in the press box.

Hunt strikes out ending the third inning.

#7 Bias is up to bat. Bias reaches first base on an error while the Wolf Pack bring in another run. The score is now 3-0. S. Hunt makes her way to the plate while the NM State Aggies bring their team in for a quick huddle.

Puzzy hits one over the left fielders head and two runs are scored.

A ball is thrown and Puzzy advances to second base. The Wolf Pack have one out and a runner on second and third base.
Puzzy is walked bringing #22 B. Murdock to the plate.
#13 B. Puzzy is up to bat. The Wolf Pack only have one out and a runner at third.

We are still scoreless heading into the bottom of the third inning. The Wolf Pack are at the plate. The lead off batter N. Mika hit a fly to center field for the first out of the inning. Up scond is #2 Silagyi.

Fans are going wild for some free t-shirts!

Jone's ended up striking out.
#1 Jones is up to bat. A strike is thrown and K. Randall steals second base.
K. Randall strikes out. The Wolf Pack need one more out to end the inning.
Now up #4 K. Randall (sybling Kylie Randall)

Randall walks down to first base.
Randall has a full count...

Lien strikes out... #25 K. Randall is up to the plate next.
Up first for the Aggies is #32 Lien.

We are now rocking out to a little Billy Joel...Uptown Girl

Patrick hits it to short and is thrown out at first base. After two complete innings we are still scoreless.

Up next is #20 D. Patrick
Beach hits a fly ball which is caught by the third baseman. The Wolf Pack now have two outs.
#10 Beach is up to bat with a one and one count.

Second at bat is #11 J. Haight. First pitch is a strike and Hunt steals second base.
The Wolf Pack are up to bat...leading off is #3 S. Hunt. Sarah walks.

Maroda hits a fly ball to left field. We are still scoreless after 2.5 innings.
Autry strikes out. Up Next is #17 A. Maroda

Up next is the DH #5 Tiffany Autry

#24 Angie Ortega is up first - Angie strikes out

A little Bon Jovi is blaring over the speakers here at Bulldog Diamond.
We are just about to start the second inning with the Aggies at Bat.

First pitch was at 5:05p.m. The Aggies are at bat to start the game.
We are in the bottom of the first inning and are scoreless.

The second game of the Western Athletic Conference Softball Tournament featuring the second seeded Nevada Wolf Pack and the fifth seeded New Mexico State Aggies is now underway.

WAC Softball Tournament

Boise State wins the first game of the tournament 8-4 and will play top seeded Fresno State tomorrow morning at 10a.m. while San Jose State plays the loser of the Nevada / New Mexico State game tomorrow at 2:30p.m.

San Jose State has two runners on first and second with one out. They need a five run surge to take the lead and advance in the winners bracket.

San Jose State has their first strike out of the inning and one runner on first base.

San Jose State finally gets the third out of the inning ending Boise State's four run rally.
Boise State leads 8-4 in the top of the ninth inning.

Boise State is on a two out rally....A Bronco batter drilled the Spartan first baseman en route to second base.

Boise State just scored their fourth run of the inning.

Boise State scores three runs in the top of the ninth inning on an error by a San Jose State right fielder.

Boise State has a runner on first and second with one out.

A San Jose State strike out ends the inning...we head into the top of the ninth inning.
Boise State has four run on eleven hits and has committed two errors while San Jose has four runs on eleven hits and has committed four errors.

We are still tied in the top of the inning. San Jose State has two outs and no one on base. #22 Sarah Taylor is up to bat.

The Spartans had runners at second and third with one out and were unable to score ... so we're going to extra innings folks!!

San Jose State just tied the game in the bottom of the seventh.

In the top of the seventh inning Boise State has four runs on nine hits and have committed two errors while San Jose State has three runs on eight hits and has committed three errors.

Pop fly by San Jose State ends the inning.

San Jose State just scored another run and trails by one.

Boise State now leads the game 4-2 as we head into the bottom of the sixth inning.

We are now tied at 2 a piece in the top of the sixth inning.
Boise State scores another run on a SJSU error at second base. Boise State takes the lead, 3-2

Top of the fifth inning the Spartans lead 2-1.
Top of the sixth inning San Jose State still has the lead 2-1 but BSU is up to bat and has runners on first and third with no outs.

First home run of the game by SJSU's #4
P. Ladwig, Associate AD of External Relations has just graced us with his presence.

San Jose tied up the game....1-1.
We are heading into the bottom of the fourth inning...SJSU

#22 Sarah Taylor leads off for San Jose State in the bottom of the third inning.
Taylor has the first hit of the game for SJSU.

Boise State leads the game 1-0 heading into the bottom of the second inning.
Heading into the top of the third inning we are treated to a little Bryan Adams 'Summer of 69'
Boise State has the sole run of the game.

Boise State is at bat first.
Boise State has the bases loaded with two outs.

We are officially underway....first pitch was at 2:02

We just finished with all of the pre-game festivities. It's a beautiful day in Fresno. Breezy, sunny and 82 degrees out.

Boise State is in their inaugural year and are appearing in their first WAC Tournament. Quiet an impressive session for a first year program. Boise State is seeded seventh in the tournament and has a season record of 21-28. San Jose State is seeded sixth and posts a 19 and 35 season record.

Currently Boise State and San Jose State are on the field getting ready to compete in the first game of the tournament.

We are coming to you live from Bulldog Diamond on the campus of Fresno State, the host of the 2009 WAC Softball Tournament. We have been at the ballpark for an hour now putting together the final preparations before the first game.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Travel Day to the WAC Softball Tournament

It was an early morning for a few WAC Staffers (Elizabeth Kampfe, Director of Championships ; Hope Shuler, Director of Media Relations and Megan Allen, Director of Marketing) as we made our way from Colorado to Fresno, California for the 2009 WAC Softball Tournament.

Today has been a debacle to put it mildly. Our flight was to depart DIA at 8:37 a.m. - unfortunately we encountered some technical difficulties just before taking off. Thankfully we could stay on the plane while the proper adjustments were being made. The sky's were friendly today with minimal turbulence. Thankfully we were all entertained for the 2+ hour flight....we all watch the movie Bridal Wars. A chick flick that was pretty entertaining and predictable but still good.

We arrived in L.A. and made our way to to our next flight. It was only an hour till we reached Fresno. We decide to split up...I stayed and waited for our bags while Elizabeth stood in line for our car. Usually it takes much longer to get the car when compared to retrieving the bags.....as you can guess our bags did not make the same trek we did....after speaking with a friendly United agent we discovered that our bags had never left Denver. Thankfully they made it a few hours later.

The remainder of our day was spent working with the staff at Fresno State and setting up for the tournament.

Check back tomorrow afternoon as I blog from each game of the tournament.

Friday, May 1, 2009

Butch Harmon Addressed WAC Men's Golf Teams at Championship Banquet

Last week at the men’s golf champion banquet, WAC student athletes were treated to a speech by legendary golf coach Butch Harmon. If you are a golf enthusiast then you are aware of Butch’s reputation. For those of you who are golf rookies Butch is the former coach of Tiger Woods and current coach of Phil Mickelson.

Butch and Tiger worked together for a ten year stint. The relations began back when Tiger wan an amateur. Prior to his time with Tiger, Butch coached Greg Norman, Fred Couples, Davis Love III and so on…..

Not only is Butch a world renowned instructor, he also owns the Butch Harmon School of Golf at the Rio Secco Golf Club, the site of the 2009 WAC Golf Tournament. Butch told stories of his time with Tiger and Phil as well as dispensed advice for collegiate athletes seeking a career in the PGA. Also on site was LPGA golfer and Butch Harmon School of Golf student Natalie Gulbis. Butch and Natalie also participated in a Q&A Session with the teams and posed for photos.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Its a busy month in WAC Athletics

It’s a busy time in the Western Athletic Conference. It seems like each week we have a different championship! Below are some highlights from WACSports.com on some of our student athletes accomplishments.

New Mexico State Leads after Day One of the 2009 Club Glove WAC Men's Golf Championship. Follow along

After winning the Western Athletic Conference Championship last week and earning an automatic bid to the 2009 NCAA Women’s Golf Championships, the San Jose State women’s golf team learned they would compete in the NCAA Regionals May 7-9 at the Arizona State Karsten Golf Course in Tempe, AZ.
Hawai`i men’s tennis earned its second-consecutive tournament crown after a 4-2 victory over No. 1 seed Boise State, Sunday. On the women's side, Top-seeded Fresno State defeated No. 2-seed Boise State to capture their eighth-straight WAC Championship crown.

New Mexico State outfielder Nate Shaver has been named Western Athletic Conference Baseball Hitter of the Week and Fresno State right-handed pitcher Matt Morse, along with San Jose State right-handed pitcher Ryan Shopshire have been named the WAC’s Co-Pitchers of the Week

WAC Baseball Tournament Tickets on Sale Now!

A total of 10 former WAC football players were selected in this year's NFL Draft. Click here for the WAC Draft Picks

Fresno State’s Brooke Phipps and Louisiana Tech’s Meghan Krieg have been named the Western Athletic Conference Hitter and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.

The Western Athletic Conference, in conjunction with its Web site partner JumpTV Sports, has announced it will stream the 2009 WAC Softball Tournament live from Fresno, Calif.. Viewers can sign up HERE

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

WAC Happenings


Since not everyone has time to read each article on WACSports.com I have perused the website and have listed the most recent achievements and information on WAC Championships and conference information.

Fresno State defeated first-place Nevada 1-0 in nine innings Friday night, Morgan Melloh (pictured left) notched her 800th career strikeout, while head coach Margie Wright earned her 300th WAC win.

Louisiana Tech’s Amberly Waits and Fresno State’s Morgan Melloh have been named the Western Athletic Conference Hitter and Pitcher of the Week, respectively

Tickets for the 2009 Western Athletic Conference Softball Tournament, hosted by Fresno State at Bulldog Diamond May 6-9, are on sale now. Fans can purchase tickets for the tournament by logging on to http://www.gobulldogs.com/, calling (559) 278-DOGS

Louisiana Tech outfielder Devon Dageford and left-handed pitcher Mike Jefferson have been named the Western Athletic Conference Baseball Hitter and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.

Southern Utah's Elise Wheeler will not only be bringing home All-American first-team honors on bars and beam and second-team All-American honors on floor, but the junior will also be bringing home NCAA hardware after a sixth-place finish on the balance beam at the NCAA National Championships on Saturday night.

The WACSports Twitter page is available at http://twitter.com/WACSports?DB_OEM_ID=10100

The 2009 WAC Football Spring Preview is available. The preview contains information on the upcoming WAC football season with notes and conference information.
2009 WAC Spring Football Preview

San Jose State took a 13-stroke lead over Idaho after the first round of the Club Glove Western Athletic Conference women's golf championship. The Spartans shot a total of 285 in the first round at the 6,133-yard, par-72 Wolf Run Golf Club in Reno, Nev. LIVE SCORING

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

FIND THE WAC ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

In an effort to connect with more WAC fans, the Western Athletic Conference now has a presence on the Facebook and Twitter social networking sites.
The Western Athletic Conference facebook and twitter accounts will feature up-to-date posts on WAC Championships, weekly releases, promotions and conference information.

The WACSports twitter page is available at http://twitter.com/WACSports

Locate us on facebook at http://www.facebook.com/business/dashboard/#/pages/Western-Athletic-Conference/75100205217

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

WAC ACTION

With the Spring season well underway here are this weeks Top Ten in WAC Action...ENJOY!

10. New Mexico State junior Sophia Marks has been named the WAC Women’s Tennis Player of the Week. This is the first player of the week honor for Marks, who was a second team all-WAC performer last year for the Aggies in both singles and doubles. Marks led the Aggie women’s tennis team to a 2-1 record last weekend with wins over Utah State and Louisiana Tech. She went 2-1 in her singles matches and 2-1 in her doubles matches.

9. SJSU’s Erica Moston (pictured left) is ranked in the top-10 nationally among collegiate women's golfers and will be the live in-studio guest during the April 14 KRON TV (Channel 4, San Francisco) evening sports report. Heading into the WAC Championship Moston is ranked ninth nationally and has a season stroke average of 71.41. She has recent back-to-back tournament wins at the Ryder Canes & Carinal Classic in Miami Lakes, Fla., and the Mountain View Collegiate in Tucson, Ariz.

8. Utah State women's track and field athlete Sonia Grabowska has been named both the WAC and America First Credit Union Utah State Student-Athlete of the Week. The WAC honor is selected by the conference office while the USU award is chosen by a statewide media panel. Grabowska, a sophomore set a new USU school record, taking second-place in the pole vault on Saturday at the UCLA Rafer Johnson/Jackie Joyner-Kersee Invitational clearing 13-09.75 (4.21m). Grabowska's record setting height is also a new personal-best, a new Western Athletic Conference-best and an NCAA regional qualifying mark. She now holds both of the Aggies' indoor and outdoor record in this event.

7. Boise State football player Tommy Gallarda has been selected to attend the 2009 NCAA National Student-Athlete Development Conference. Gallarda is one of 233 Division I student-athletes who will participate in the annual conference. The conference is to provide a forum for student-athletes to discuss campus and community issues. It will also give them the opportunity to develop leadership, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

6. The UH cheerleaders placed first and fifth respectively in the Partner Stunt Division at the National Cheerleaders Association's Collegiate Cheer Championship held in Daytona Beach, Fla. on Saturday. Partners Kristin Kowalkowski and Kelvin Lam won the prestigious event and Amanda Lucero and George McGuire captured fifth place.

5. The Nevada softball team had a strong performance in their Saturday sweep of Boise State. In game one of the doubleheader, freshman pitcher Mallary Darby tossed the third no-hitter in school history. Senior outfielder Brittany Puzey (pictured right) extended her hitting streak to 20 straight games, the longest in school history and the longest on record in the WAC. The Wolf Pack belted eight home runs on the day and broke the school record (43) for home runs in a season.

4. University of Idaho athletes Mac Hopson and Allix Lee-Painter garnered Athlete of the Year awards at the North Idaho Sports Banquet over the weekend. Hopson, a junior point guard with the Idaho men’s basketball team, was named the top men’s college athlete in Northern Idaho while senior Lee-Painter earned the same award for women as a member of the Vandal cross country and track and field teams.

3. Fresno State Junior Tom Mendonca (pictured above) hit two home runs in his first two at bats of the night at the FSU / NM State baseball game on April 13. The home runs tied the third baseman for all-time home run leader.

2. The Louisiana Tech Track and Field Team captured ten top five finishes and three regional qualifying marks at the Ole Miss Invitational.

· Sophomore Larry Jones placed second in the discus throw with a regional qualifying
throw of 177' 07".
· Senior Nadia Alexander recorded two top five finishes in the woman's discus and shot put.
Alexander finished third in the shot put with a regional qualifying throw of 51' 0" and fifth in
the discus with a throw of 146' 11".
· Sophomore sprinter Chasidee Lewis-Baker who finished third in the 100m with a regional
qualifying time of 11.50 which is top in the conference.


1. For only the second time in school history, San Jose State will be represented at the NCAA Women’s Gymnastics Championships. Veronica Porte and Thomasina Wallace will compete in the all-around on Thursday, April 16. They are just the second and third Spartan gymnasts to compete in the all-around at the championships.

Monday, April 13, 2009

PLAY BALL!

This past Friday was opening day for the Colorado Rockies. For some reason I started to think about music in baseball and ‘at bat’ songs. I wonder how long it takes an athlete to select their ‘at bat’ song. This is a big decision…this song will be played multiple times each game and hundreds of times during the season. The song selected serves multiple purposes. The song selection helps to shed some light on the individual’s personality; it’s used to pump up the athlete and is an entertaining element for the crowd.

I’ve searched the internet and it is unclear when and where ‘at bat’ songs originated, one thing is evident, it is a tradition you can hear at MLB and college stadiums across the US.

I stated to think of the song I would use for my at bat song and thought it would be fun to include songs my co-workers would select. Just click on the name to hear the song selected…

Karl Benson
Jeff Hurd
Dave Chaffin
Anthony Archbald
Steve Borland
Kathy Schild
Hope Shuler
Michelle Smith
Mollie Lehman
Elizabeth Kampfe
Megan Allen

“At bat: songs in MLB:
Boston Red Sox
Tampa Bay Devil Rays

While doing research on ‘at bat’ songs I stumbled upon some interesting information about music in baseball, in particular the origins of the seventh inning stretch.

The reason for the seventh inning stretch is unclear. Some historians believe that President Taft started the time honored tradition while attending the Washington Senators and the Philadelphia Athletics game in 1910. Apparently Taft became restless during the game and decided to stand and stretch his limbs. When Taft stood up, the entire stadium rose – as you know if the President stands those in his presence are to stand as well. Fans expected Taft to depart the stadium, instead he returned to his seat to watch the conclusion of the game. Others believe the tradition began in 1869 when Harry Wright of the Cincinnati Red Stockings noted that "The spectators all arise between halves of the seventh inning, extend their legs and arms and sometimes walk about. In so doing they enjoy the relief afforded by relaxation from a long posture upon hard benches."

To this date ballparks still honor this tradition and play “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” in the middle of the seventh inning. Some franchises have even started their own traditions:

The Yankees play “New York, New York” after each home game.
Boston Red Sox play “Sweet Caroline” during the eight inning of each contest.
After the passing of Harry Carry the Chicago Cubs organization welcomes various guest to attend the game and lead the crowd in the singing of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game”

To read about more MLB ball park traditions click here

Thursday, April 2, 2009

WAC BASEBALL HEADING INTO CONFERENCE PLAY THIS WEEKEND

The baseball season is in full swing as we head into conference play this weekend. Our baseball programs have made some notable accomplishments during the non-conference portion of their schedules. Here’s a classic baseball tune for your enjoyment while catching up on WAC Baseball highlights….

Fresno State third baseman Tommy Mendonca (pictured left)and Sacramento State junior outfielder Tim Wheeler have been named to the preseason All-American team by Baseball America.

As of March 29, New Mexico State ranks fifth or better in 13 team statistical categories. The Aggies lead the nation in scoring, runs, doubles, Home Runs, slugging percentage, base on balls and win-loss percentage. NMSU also ranks second in the nation in hits and home runs per game.

Nevada head coach Gary Powers (pictured on the right) recorded his 800th career victory when the Wolf Pack defeated Oregon 6-5 on March 12. Powers the longest tenured coach in the history of Nevada athletics is in his 27th year as skipper of the Pack.

San Jose State’s victory over Dartmouth College on March 19, marked win No. 700 for 22nd-year Spartan head coach Sam Piraro. Piraro is the winningest coach in program history with a record of 704-525-6.

The NMSU Aggies broke into the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper NCAA Division I baseball poll last week and stayed at No. 24 after picking five consecutive road wins.

Fresno State’s Tom Mendonca continues to front the WAC as the league’s active career leader in home runs with 40.

San Jose State entered Collegiate Baseball Newspaper’s NCAA Division I baseball poll at the No. 25 spot on March 9. It was San Jose State’s first in-season national ranking since the 2002 campaign.

NMSU’s Richard Stout(pictured left) leads the nation in four categories. Stout fronts the country in runs per game, runs, base on ball per game and base on balls.

Louisiana Tech senior Chris Kersten was named National Hitter of the Week by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) on Feb. 24.

The New Mexico State baseball team set the school record for most home runs in a game when it hit 10 home runs against Chicago State, Friday, Feb. 27. The old record was nine, when the Aggies accomplished that feat against Pacific, May 3, 1997.

CURRENT WAC STANDINGS
New Mexico State (25-3)
San Jose State (19-5)
Hawai`i (16-9)
Sacramento State (16-9)
Louisiana Tech (12-9)
Fresno State (13-11)
Nevada (11-15)

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

WAC Softball Update

So far the WAC Softball teams are off to a great start this season. I thought I would highlight some of their accomplishments thus far…

Both Fresno State and Nevada are ranked, No. 23 and No. 25 respectively in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Poll.

Fresno State’s Haley Perkins and Morgan Melloh, and Nevada’s Noelle Micka (photo on the righ)were named to the Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) Watch List for the eighth Annual USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year Award. The 2009 Preseason Watch List is comprised of 50 players representing 32 schools and 13 different NCAA Division I Conferences.

Fresno State’s Morgan Melloh was named a first team Easton All-American. Melloh was one of just 14 student-athletes from across the country to be named to the first team and the only representative from the WAC.

Nevada catcher Noelle Micka (photo below) and Fresno State pitcher Morgan Melloh earned second team All-America honors by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association.

Fresno State’s Morgan Melloh (photo on the left) became just the third freshman in school history to be named the WAC Freshman and Pitcher of the Year in the same season.

New Mexico State has earned three WAC Hitters of the Week accolades while Boise State, Fresno State, Hawai`i, Louisiana Tech and Nevada have each received the honor once.

Nevada has received the WAC Pitcher of the Week honors four times this season while Louisiana Tech has notched two weekly accolades and Fresno State and Hawai`i have each received the honor once.
WAC teams combined to hit 32 home runs last week(March 23), including seven each by Fresno State and Louisiana Tech. Hawai‘i’s Amanda Tauali‘i hit three homers in one game, tying the WAC single-game record

In their inaugural year Boise State swept its first WAC series on the road at Utah State, winning 2-0, 12-6 and 7-3.

Brittany Puzey’s (photo on the right) seventh-inning home run against Oregon State on Feb. 28 at the DeMarini Invitational moved her into first place on Nevada’s all-time home run list.

San Jose State senior Brittany McConnell set the SJSU career mark for RBI (119) and tied the career home run mark of 27 on a three-run homer in the Spartans’ 7-4 loss to Cal State Northridge at the UTEP Invitational Feb. 20.

Current WAC Standings:
Fresno State Bulldogs (22-13, 5-1 WAC)
Nevada Wolf Pack (24-10, 4-1 WAC)
Boise State Broncos (17-13, 3-2 WAC)
Louisiana Tech Techsters (18-14, 3-2 WAC)
Hawai‘i Rainbow Wahine (15-19, 3-3 WAC)
San Jose State Spartans (15-23, 2-4 WAC)
New Mexico State Aggies (21-14, 1-4 WAC)
Utah State Aggies (8-22, 1-5 WAC)

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Lady Techsters plan to Knock Domestic Violence Out of the Park!

If your in Ruston, LA on Saturday, April 11 be sure to attend the Lady Techsters doubleheader softball game against the No. 23 Fresno State Bulldogs.
The Louisiana Tech softball team is teaming up with Domestic Abuse Resistance Team (D.A.R.T) of North Louisiana to Knock Domestic Violence out of The Park!

The Louisiana Tech softball team and athletic department are encouraging members of the community and fans to attend the game and donate food for the concessions stand, clothing, gift baskets, monetary contributions, etc... These items will be raffled off with the proceeds going to D.A.R.T. Just a reminder that all donated items are tax-deductible. As a tribute to those affected by domestic violence both teams will wear unifroms featuring D.A.R.T's signature color, purple.

We hope to see you at the game!

Monday, March 30, 2009

WAC WEEKLY TOP TEN

10. The Western Athletic Conference has a facebook page. Check us out and become a fan!

9. New Mexico State's Travis Reid and Idaho's Kayla Mortellaro have been named the WAC Golfers of the Week. Reid, tied for third place in the Barona Collegiate Cup played March 16-17. He was under par in all three rounds with a low of 68 on the final 18 that included six birdies. Mortellaro, won her first collegiate tournament with a three-over par 219 (69-75-75) at the Dr. Donnis Thompson Invitational in Honolulu, Hawaii, March 16-18. Mortellaro won the tournament by one stroke and helped the Vandals to a second place finish in the 10-team field that included three other WAC teams (Boise State, Nevada and Hawai'i). Her first round total of 69 was the best of the day.

8. All six of the WAC’s gymnastics teams will be represented at the 2009 NCAA Gymnastics Regional Championships on April 4.

7. The Aggie baseball team set the school record for most home runs in a game when it hit 10 home runs against Chicago State, Friday, Feb. 27. The Aggies are currently ranked No.24 in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper NCAA Division I baseball poll.

6. Fresno State is ranked No. 23 in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Collegiate Top 25. While Nevada is ranked No. 25 in the Ultimate College Softball poll.

5. Erica Moston led the Spartan women’s golf team with a seven-under par for her three-round total. She won the individual title and led San Jose State to its third consecutive tournament win with a nine-shot victory at the MountainView Collegiate at the MountainView Golf Course.

4. Fresno State’s Latrisha Jordan earned WAC Track and Field Athlete of the Week honors. Jordan set the all-time Fresno State record in the 400-meter hurdles at the USC Trojan Invitational. Jordan ran to a first-place finish with a time of 58.88, a mark that is currently the best in the WAC by more than 1.5 seconds. Her performance garnered an NCAA Regional Qualifying mark in just the second meet of the season. Jordan also competed in the 4x400 relay that finished second with a time of 3:43.48.

3. Fresno State’s Melanie Gloria has been named Western Athletic Conference Women’s Tennis Player of the Week. Gloria led the Bulldogs to a monumental upset over No. 5 California on Saturday. Leading No. 18 Fresno State at the top position, Gloria (No. 19) defeated the No.17th-ranked player in the nation, Jana Juricova, 7-6 (4), 6-3. In doubles action, she and her partner Tinesta Rowe (16), played to an 8-6 win over Cal’s No. 9 Cossou/Ilcinkas. The win against Cal is the first time this season any WAC team, men or women, has defeated a top-5 opponent.

2. Fresno State’s Morgan Melloh was named a first team Easton All-American. Melloh was one of just 14 student-athletes from across the country to be named to the first team and
the only representative from the WAC.

1. Fresno State junior third baseman Tommy Mendonca and Sacramento State junior outfielder Tim Wheeler have been named to the preseason All-American team by Baseball America. Mendonca received first team honors while Wheeler was named to the third team.