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May 7, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - Director of Track and Field Bob Fraley and the Bulldog track and field teams celebrated the successes of 2008 season at the team's banquet Tuesday night at the Ramada Inn.
Although the season is still in session, the evening highlighted the team's many successes so far. The Bulldogs have qualified 19 athletes for the NCAA Regional Meet, including two athletes who have qualified in multiple events.
The coaches named individual award winners from the highly competitive squad. Val-Pierre Dai'Re and Grace Wiesmann were awarded the Captain's Award for their leadership in competition and within team dynamics. Two throwers, Brian Vazquez and Sharon Ayala, were named the Kerber Outstanding Field Performers. Frank Sanders and Vanessa Sautebin were named Ricchiuti/ Lions Club Outstanding Track Performers.
The Madden Outstanding Freshman Award was a tie for both the men and the women. Distance runner Erick Garcia and long jumper Gary Lee were named co-Madden Award winners. For the women, sprinter Tiera Hilliard and thrower Rosario Sanchez earned the freshman honors.
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The final two honors of the night, the Herzog Track Athlete of the Year and the Linder Track Athlete of the Year wrapped up the night. Oscar Rodriguez won the Herzog Award and Roxanne Sellick took the Linder Award.
After the student-athlete awards, the program turned to Fraley, who will be retiring upon the completion of the 2008 season. The 28-year veteran of the Bulldog track and field program was inducted into the Fresno State Hall of Fame Tuesday night.
"I never thought I'd be holding something that says I am part of the Fresno Sate Hall of Fame," said Fraley.
Fraley's list of accolades is extensive ranging from USA Track and Field Nike Coach of the Year to various hall of fame inductions.
Ed Ferreira, who is also retiring from Fresno State this year, paid Fraley a huge compliment.
"I've worked with some amazing coaches over the years," said Ferreira. "But the greatest coaches I've worked with are Jim Sweeney, Boyd Grant and you, Coach Fraley."
The Bulldogs compete at the Modesto Relays this weekend before traveling to Boise, Idaho, for the WAC Championships the following week.