California State University, Fresno Fresno, CA

  Fresno State Can't Shake 'Scandal U.' Reputation
Fresno State athletics used to be a religion.

Fans prayed for victory, attended games with sacramental devotion and tithed big dollars to the almighty Bulldog Foundation.

Campus Points to Booster in Probe But Fresno State Investigation Does Not Explain the Misallocation of Funds

By George Hostetter / The Fresno Bee

Faced with questions over misappropriation of money to athletics, Fresno State officials have posted on the Internet an internal investigation that identifies a longtime booster as a participant in a 1998 donations deal.
The investigative report and supporting documents were posted on a university Web site with a letter by campus President John Welty.

The posting came in the wake of a Jan. 28 story in The Bee that reported the university funneled at least $615,000 in corporate donations to athletics over four years despite donor rules limiting the money to academic programs.

But the booster named in the investigation was not responsible for determining how the donations were allocated on campus. And the response does not address questions about how the university mishandled donations for years — or whether the university has uncovered the true scope of the problem.

Fresno State officials say they discovered the misdirected donations problem, which they blame in part on poor oversight, in 2002 and have nearly finished restoring the money.

According to documents provided by Fresno State, the university misdirected at least $615,000 from 1998 to 2002 to athletics. The money came from companies matching individual donations on condition that the funds be used for academic programs.

The university's response identifies Hank Smith, president of the Bulldog Foundation annual fund drive in 2006, as a participant in what the university calls an "unusual" business deal nearly a decade ago involving corporate matching donations.

University documents show Smith received benefits worth nearly $62,000 from athletics.

However, nothing in the posted documents indicates that Smith did anything wrong or that the deal was actually executed. Smith has declined to comment.

Bulldog Foundation Annual Fund executive director Pat Ogle said in a statement Monday that Smith's deal described on the university's Web site was unknown to any foundation official and not connected to foundation activities.

A 2003 report by then-internal auditor Chris Robinson, provided last month to The Bee and posted on the university Web site last week, said Smith proposed a plan to the athletics department in 1998. Under this plan, Smith would arrange $20,000 in individual donations from himself and others for Bulldog athletics.

Smith is retired from cereal-maker Kellogg Co., which had a 2-for-1 matching gift policy for qualifying nonprofits. According to Fresno State, the deal would generate $40,000 from the company.

The deal then called for Fresno State to pay $30,000 in "costs" — $17,000 to Smith and $13,000 to what the investigation called "unidentified consultants."

The report states that Smith did donate a total of nearly $14,000 in 1998 to athletics, and Kellogg donated more than $27,000 in October of that year. But the report does not state whether these donations were connected to the alleged deal or whether Smith received any benefits as a result of them.

The documents do make clear that there were two problems with the alleged arrangement:

Kellogg policy does not permit an individual donor to receive any benefits from the company's matching gifts. (Robinson's report does not specifically identify any violations of this policy committed by Smith.)

Kellogg also does not permit its matching gifts to be used for athletics. Fresno State's Web posting acknowledges that the university did misdirect Kellogg matching gifts to athletics.

The company declined to comment.

Robinson, now Fresno State's controller, wrote a six-page report describing the alleged Smith deal in great detail.

In the end, Robinson did not hold Smith to blame for anything other than allegedly violating Kellogg's matching gift policy.

Also missing from Robinson's investigation was any explanation of how Kellogg's matching gifts, restricted only to academics, ended up in athletics. Robinson notes that matching gifts to athletics or the Bulldog Foundation may violate the company's mandates.

"That issue has been addressed in a separate report and has been appropriately resolved," Robinson wrote.

Robinson wrote a three-page, unsigned report earlier in 2003 on misdirected matching gifts for fiscal years 1999-2000 through 2001-2002.

It outlines a repayment plan but does not explain how the problem occurred.

Robinson said in an interview last fall that his audit covered only three full years because his time was limited and a three-year period is typical for such audits.

The university said last month that it has called in outside legal staff and auditors to re-examine the problem and may expand the scope of Robinson's original audit.

The university's Development Office is responsible for directing matching gifts to the correct department, not individual donors such as Smith.

In the deal described by Robinson, Smith wouldn't have been eligible for cost reimbursements from the Fresno State Athletic Corp. if the Development Office had sent Kellogg's matching gifts to academics, as required, instead of athletics.

The Athletic Corp. is a university nonprofit auxiliary that oversees the athletic program's finances.

Robinson, though, focused his investigation on Smith, rather than university officials who sent Kellogg's matching gifts to the wrong department. Fresno State's Web posting acknowledges that the university misdirected more than $125,000 of Kellogg matching gifts during a three-year period ending June 30, 2002, more than three times what Smith's deal was supposed to get from the company.

Fresno State officials have not explained how, despite the university's extensive system of accounting checks and balances, it misdirected so much money over such a long period of time.

They have pointed only to unspecified failures in the Development Office, human error and poor managerial oversight. The university said it uncovered the problem in 2002 during an investigation into another accounting problem in the athletics department.

The university and the Athletic Corp. have repaid more than $600,000 to academics, mainly to the library and music department, and will make the final payment in its repayment plan in this fiscal year ending June30.

Robinson's report on the alleged Smith deal does shed some light on Fresno State's athletic fundraising policies.

It wasn't unusual for people to get compensated for raising money for Fresno State athletics. Robinson stated that six people, including Smith, were part of the 2001 football seat option task force who received credits for selling seat options. The credits could be used for things such as trips with Fresno State teams.

Robinson stated in his 2003 report that Smith had received nearly $62,000 in benefits from athletics from Oct. 15, 1998 to June 20, 2002. The report does not explain what Smith did to receive these benefits, but does say most of them were "generally consistent" with expenditures allowed to seat option task force members.

But some of Smith's benefits, totaling less than $9,300, weren't consistent with what was allowed to seat option task force members, Robinson wrote. These included reimbursements for the purchase of two San Francisco 49ers football season tickets and assorted San Francisco Giants baseball tickets.

What did Smith do wrong?

"I didn't see a policy violation, per se," said Robinson.

The reporter can be reached at ghostetter@fresnobee.com or(559) 441-6272.

Fresno State Wrestling Rebuttal Letter to Welty, Boeh and Reed

Dr. John Welty, President
California State University, Fresno
5241 N. Maple Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710

Thomas Boeh, Athletic Director
California State University, Fresno
5241 N. Maple Avenue
Fresno, CA 93710

Dr. Charles B. Reed, Chancellor
California State University
401 Golden Shore, Room 641
Long Beach, CA 90802

July 15, 2006

Dear Dr. Welty, Mr. Boeh and Dr. Reed:

Recently, Mr. Boeh announced to the Fresno community that the University would discontinue the men's wrestling program and reinstate the mens cross country program. This decision came as a major surprise. The members of the Central Valley Wrestling Association have closely examined the reasons given by both Mr. Boeh and Dr. Welty. The following excerpt is from the University's athletic webpage.

June 15, 2006
FRESNO, Calif.- Fresno State Athletics Director <http://gobulldogs.collegesports.com/genrel/boeh_thomas00.html>Thomas Boeh announced today that effective July 1, 2006, the university will discontinue the intercollegiate wrestling program and reinstate the men's cross country program.

The action is taken as a cost-reduction measure and a significant component of a long-range strategic plan for Fresno State athletics, Boeh said.

"Fresno State is committed to success within the Western Athletic Conference as well as the provision of the very best student-athlete experience possible for all our sponsored programs, Boeh said.

"There is strong desire on the part of the university and its constituents to have Fresno State advance to a level of national prominence and compete consistently among the nation's best. Unfortunately, the rapidly rising costs associated with an NCAA Division I-A athletics program have caused many institutions around the country with similar aspirations to re-evaluate their sports programming. Here at Fresno State, we found our department in the same position," said Boeh.

In 2005-06, the average NCAA Division I-A athletics department budget was $32.3 million, compared to Fresno State's $22 million.

"Given today's industry standards, it is very clear that to remain a sustainable I-A program we need to find more efficiencies," Boeh said. "This adjustment will enable us to direct an adequate amount of resources, in the form of money, facilities, support services and staff, toward the support and advancement of all of our student-athletes."

Scholarship offers to returning student-athletes and incoming freshmen who have signed letters of intent will be honored until they have completed four years of school at Fresno State or transfer to other institutions. Affected student-athletes will continue to have full use of training and academic facilities and may compete individually if they choose.

The contract for head wrestling coach <http://gobulldogs.collegesports.com/sports/m-wrestl/mtt/charles_shawn00.html>Shawn Charles will be honored until June 30, 2007. He will be reassigned within the Department of Athletics in the coming academic year.

The announced change means the restoration of men's cross country after a three-year absence from Fresno State. This action is intended to help advance the men's track and field program, which has been operating at a significant disadvantage since the discontinuance of men's cross country in fall 2003. Boeh said the program will greatly help the men's track and field program return to conference championship level. The men's cross country program will require no additional scholarships and will carry a roster of 10-12 student-athletes.

Boeh said among the considerations that led to the decision to discontinue wrestling were:

An anticipated net annual financial savings of $350,000-$400,000 (not likely to be fully realized until 2008), which will help the long-term financial stability of the athletics program.
Wrestling is not a sponsored sport with the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) and is not a broad-based NCAA championship sport.

The lack of a dedicated wrestling practice facility, locker room and cost-efficient and reasonable competitive venue.
Wrestling carries a roster of approximately 34 student-athletes and does not have a comparative women's program.
The recent low level of academic achievement by the wrestling program's student athletes.
Background Fact Sheet

1. In the interest of achieving annual financial stability of the athletics program
There will be a net annual financial savings to the program of between $350,000 and $400,000. However, these savings will not likely be fully realized until the 2007-08 academic year. .

2. Wrestling is not a sponsored sport within the Western Athletic Conference

The WAC does not sponsor wrestling and points toward the conference all-sports competition are not available.
Fresno State's wrestling program, following its departure from the PAC 10, it has been competing as an independent. The team was scheduled to join the newly formed Western Wrestling Conference (WWC) in the fall of 2006. It is a conference where the membership is spread out over seven states and three time zones. This dynamic would likely to have significantly increased wrestling travel costs.

Western Wrestling Conference: Air Force Academy, North Dakota State, Northern Colorado, Northern Iowa, South Dakota State, Utah Valley State, Wyoming

3. The absence of a dedicated wrestling practice facility and locker room

4. The absence of a cost-effective venue for competition

5. The recent history of academic achievement within the wrestling program

The program has most recently scored an NCAA APR rate of 871. This is well below the acceptable rating of 925 and ranks the team in the lowest 10% among Division I wrestling programs.

The team has an aggregate GPA of 2.44. This represents the lowest team GPA in the athletics department by a large margin and .45 below the average student-athlete average of 2.89.

6. Wrestling is not a broad-based NCAA championship sport

As of September 1, 2005, there were 87 NCAA Division I wrestling programs. This represents roughly 27% of the NCAA Division I membership. On the same date there were 303 NCAA Division I men's cross country programs.


FRESNO STATE, CONFERENCE AND NATIONAL SPORTS PROGRAMMING
Sport
WAC
NCAA
Baseball
7*
286
Basketball
9
326
Cross Country
8
303
Football
9
235
Golf
9
289
Tennis
7
264
Track and Field (O)
5
263
Wrestling
2
87
* indicates one affiliate member
With the programming adjustment, the average numbers of NCAA participating institutions reflected in the seven sports that Fresno State will continue to sponsor in the fall of 2006 is 281.
Fresno State will continue to sponsor seven men's sports in the 2006-07.
7. Wrestling carries a significant roster and scholarship level. It also does not have a like women's program
Wrestling carries 9.9 equivalency full scholarships and a roster of 35 student-athletes. Continued sponsorship of the sport would impede compliance with Title IX and CALNOW student-athlete participation levels and distribution of athletics aid. These challenges have become considerably greater in recent years. Currently the student body ratio at Fresno State is 60/40 in favor of women, and the trend is expected to continue into the foreseeable future.
Further, because wrestling does not have a like women's program it is less efficient regarding the use of resources and facilities. Finally, the sponsorship of a uniquely men's sport also makes it more difficult to make the appropriate comparisons among men's and women's sport programs OCR's "13-point laundry list."
FRESNO STATE 2005-06 MEN'S SPORTS SCHOLARSHIP LEVELS AND LIKE SPORTS STATUS
Sport
NCAA Maximum
Like Sport
Baseball
11.7
Yes
Basketball
13*
Yes
Cross Country
---
Yes
Football
85*
No
Golf
4.5
Yes
Tennis
4.5
Yes
Track and Field
12.6
Yes
Wrestling
9.9
No
The reinstated men's cross country program will carry a roster of 10-12 individuals and, per NCAA rule; the scholarship distribution will be absorbed into the men's track and field allotment. The net result is an improvement in the participation and scholarship ratio between men and women student-athletes at Fresno State.
It is important to note that although the department's mission to achieve compliance with Title IX standards was not a primary driving force behind the decision to discontinue the wrestling program and reinstate men's cross country; this adjustment will indeed result in a positive effect on the department's gender equity.
8. Reinstatement of men's cross country
The reinstatement of men's cross country is expected to cost less than $25,000 annually, which will be recovered via the NCAA sport sponsorship distribution, Subsequently, any additional cost for the program will be negligible.

Central Valley Wrestling Association Response:

1. In the interest of achieving annual financial stability of the athletics program

There is an overstatement of budgetary savings of $350,000 to $400,000 per year by cutting the wrestling program. Actual budgeted expenditures for the wrestling program were as follows:

Academic year 2002-2003 $253,212

Academic year 2003-2004 $264,901 ( 1 match @ SaveMart Center $7000 paid by Booster improvement fund- set West coast Attendance Record of 9,750*

Academic year 2004-2005 $290,687 (1 match @ SaveMart Center with $8,000 rental cost included in budget

Academic year 2005-2006 $291,270 (1 match@ SaveMart Center with $8,000 rental cost included in budget

The athletics budget at CSU Fresno has increased $4.5 million in the last 4 years. The wrestling budget is less than 1.4% of the $22 million budget.


2. Wrestling is not a sponsored sport within the Western Athletic Conference

Unlike the WAC which spans five different time zones the newly formed Western Wrestling Conference is nearly half the total distance needed for travel.

In addition there are 14 Division 1 schools in the Central and Pacific Time Zones including 6 universities in California that compete in Division 1 Wrestling (Cal Poly, CSU Bakersfield, CSU Fullerton, UC Davis, Stanford and Fresno State). These local Div. 1 programs allow the wrestling budget to be highly cost efficient.
There are 8 universities in the Western States that compete in Division 1 wrestling, to include: Arizona State, Boise State (WAC member), Oregon, Oregon State, Portland State, Air Force Academy, Utah Valley State, and Wyoming.
The newly formed Western Wrestling Conference allows teams to compete on a.. . This newly formed conference has had no significant increase cost to the wrestling budget.

In the State of California, there are 22,007 participants in the sport of high school wrestling. In the CIF Central Section, more than 60 of the 92 high schools have wrestling teams. The Central Valley of California is the strongest wrestling area in the state. The local High Schools have won 13 team state championships since 1972 and recognized as the most successful high school sport in the community. Obviously demonstrated interest in wrestling within California State University Fresnos service area
3. The absence of a dedicated wrestling practice facility and locker room
Since its inception, in 1961, the wrestling team has practiced and competed almost exclusively in the North Gym on the campus of CSU Fresno. Neither the current coach (Coach Shawn Charles) nor the former coach (Coach Dennis DeLiddo) has expressed dissatisfaction with either competing in the North Gym or practicing in the wrestling room. Additionally, there has never been a request to change facilities. The mat room or practice facility is used exclusively by the wrestling team from 2 p.m. 6 p.m., daily, and from 6 p.m. 8 p.m. for the Bulldog Wrestling Academy.
In addition, the wrestling practice room was revamped in the 2004 season. Local donations have contributed both to up-grade the wrestling practice room and improve the accommodations of the physical educational facilities. The result is one the best mat rooms and weight rooms on the west coast.
4. The absence of a cost-effective venue for competition
For the past 46 years, the wrestling team has competed in the North Gym. This facility is extremely cost effective and user friendly. It is cost-effective for events in that there are limited entrance/exit doors. The addition of chair-back seats makes this a comfortable venue and, it offers the opportunity to generate additional income through the sale of seat options.
In addition to having both the competition and practice facility located in the North Gym, the wrestling coach staff offices, training room, equipment room and locker facilities are also conveniently located here.
In terms of revenue and expense for the home matches, the following information is provided:
2002/2003 Expense: $6,356 Ticket revenue: $9,250
2003/2004 Expense: $7,701 Ticket revenue: $32,143
2004/2005 Expense: $17,961 Ticket revenue: $43,033
2005/2006 Expense: $18,140 Ticket revenue:

5. The recent history of academic achievement within the wrestling program

t has been stated that the NCAA APR Rate for the wrestling program is 871, which is below the desired APR Rate of 925 of other Division 1 programs. Mens basketball has an APR rate of 864; Mens tennis has an APR Rate of 887 followed by Womens softball who has an APR rate of 905.

Fresno States Incoming recruiting freshmen class has a 3.1 GPA is one of the highest incoming GPA for all the sports at Fresno State.

The Fresno State Wrestling team was committed to bringing the best student athletes to the University demonstrating a continuing commitment of improvement.

6. Wrestling is not a broad-based NCAA championship sport
There are 8 NCAA men's
sports that have fewer than 87 Division I schools that sponsor those sports.
While there are 87 Division 1A schools that sponsor wrestling, there are only 117 universities that sponsor Division 1A football programs. So, 75 percent of the Division 1A football universities also have wrestling programs.

In addition, there will be 4 wrestling programs beginning Div. 1 competition next year.

7. Wrestling carries a significant roster and scholarship level. It also does not have a like women's program

There are no Title IX guidelines or policies that require like sports for men and women. In fact, Title IX allows the same mens and womens sports to be treated differently as long as the percentage of men and women receiving any benefit in the 13 point laundry list is equitable.

In a July 11, 2003 letter to colleges and universities, the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has stated OCR hereby clarifies that nothing in Title IX requires the cutting or reduction of teams in order to demonstrate compliance with Title IX, and that cutting or elimination of teams is a disfavored practice.
OCR continued Therefore, in negotiating compliance agreements, OCRs policy will be to seek remedies that do not involve the elimination of teams.

If Title IX was not the primary driving force behind the decision to discontinue the wrestling program, then what was the primary reason?

8. Reinstatement of men's cross country
Men's Cross country leads the list of most-dropped NCAA programs in the last 15 years, losing 183 teams, according to the NCAA's 1982-2002 report.

Cutting the Fresno State wrestling team will improve the ratio of participation between men and women. It will not, however, offer any more opportunities for women in college sports. The net result is lost opportunity for 23-25 student athletes (35 wrestlers vs. 10-12 cross country runners) and NO ADDITIONAL opportunities for women.

Was Mr. Tom Boeh persuaded by personal interest knowing that he was a former cross country runner at his alma mater where he has received numerous awards?

What other alternatives did the Administration at CSU Fresno consider before taking this drastic step that has impacted so many current and future student athletes?

Why wasnt the Athletic Corporation involved in the decision?

Why did the Athletic Department hire a new coach if it knew that the program was going to be cut?

Why was the wrestling program given a budget for 2006/2007?

Additional Fact Sheets

A1. Continuing Success - Representing the Valley at a National and World level
11 Conference Champions
14 Top 25 NCAA Finishes
33 all-Americans
7 NCAA champions
1 Olympic Silver Medalist
A2. Broad Base Popularity of Mans Oldest and Greatest Sport.

The sport of wrestling is the 6th largest by participation in the United States according to a 2004-2005 Survey by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

SPORT
PARTICIPATION
1. Football
1,045,494
2. Basketball
545,497
3. Track & Field
516,703
4. Baseball
459,717
5. Soccer
354,587
6. Wrestling
243,009
7. Cross Country
201,719
8. Golf
161,025
9. Tennis
148,530
10. Swimming & Diving
103,754

The sport boasts the 4th largest attendance annually compared across NCAA Championship events. Based on an economic impact survey conducted at the 2000 event, the Championships attracted 15,000 visitors to the host city, accounted for 12,000 hotel room nights and generated an estimated $10 million in economic impact.

YEAR
ATTENDANCE
2001
80,727
2002
76,843
2003
91,734
2004
87,676
2005
95,459

The Central Valley of California is one of the strongest wrestling areas in the State, winning 13 team state championships since 1972. In addition, Fresno State recently set the West Coast attendance record (west of the Mississippi River) in a dual meet against Iowa State in 2004 with 9,750 paid attendance fans.

The paid attendance record of 9,750 fans is the third highest paid attendance sport at Fresno State only to menÌ¢*èús basketball and football. This demonstrates an overwhelming interest by the people of the Central Valley.

A3 Minority Participation
Fresno State wrestling boasts one of the best opportunities for minority athletes. Over the last 5 years, the team is made up of 58% minority athletes. With the absence of wrestling and soccer, the most popular minority sports, the University would be denying the advancement of young minority men who can make a positive impact on their community.

A4. Central Valley Participation
Fresno State wrestling shows some of the highest contribution from Central Valley resident athletes. Being a local California State University school, Fresno State wrestling gives back taxpayer?s money to residents of the Valley for their children to earn money toward a college degree. Over the past 5 years, the Bulldog wrestling team has consisted of 73% Central Valley athletes and continues to recruit heavily in the local area where wrestling is strong and proud.

A5.Diverse Opportunities
Fresno State wrestling gives a diverse range of opportunities due to the weight-class system. Athletes ranging in size from 125lbs to 285lbs have an opportunity to compete athletically at the collegiate level. Wrestling builds character and is unique among sports because it welcomes all athletes tall and short, heavy and light, physically strong and physically finessed. Wrestling is blind to color, socio-economic status and geography.

A6. Future Community Leaders, Educators, and Coaches
Athletic programs, especially of the non-revenue variety, are primarily responsible for providing educators, coaches, and future community leaders in the Central Valley. By cutting these programs, we are denying our future societal leaders the chance to attend school and make a difference in the area. Long term, we will lose the eventual benefit that they will bestow upon the community.


Sincerely,


Central Valley Wrestling Association
Dr. Bruce A. Lippmann
California Collegiate Wrestling Invitation Results

Most Outstanding---San Francisco State's Donald Lockett

Most Falls in Quickest Times--Clint Walbeck (Fresno State)

Plc Points Team
1 161.5 Fresno State
2 146.0 Cal Bakersfield
3 68.0 Southern Oregon
4 58.0 Menlo
5 57.0 San Francisco State
6 47.5 UC Davis
7 44.5 Colorado Sch. Mines
8 43.5 Stanford
9 36.5 Lassen
10 28.0 Fresno State 2
11 11.0 Cal Bakersfield 2
12 6.5 San Francisco State 2
13 5.0 Southern Oregon 2
14 3.5 Stanford 2
15 2.0 Menlo
15 2.0 Menlo 2
Most Outstanding Wrestler Donald Lockett (San Francisco State University)

MOST FALLS IN SHORTEST AMOUNT OF TIME
Plc Wrestler Team No. Falls Total Seconds

1 Clint Walbech Fresno State 3 402
2 Matt Sanchez Cal Bakersfield 3 672
3 Dan Cadwallder Fresno State 2 294

Place Name School Grade Result

125 Lbs:
1st: Sal Gonzalez Fresno State score: 4-2
2nd: Sean Carlson Fresno State 2
3rd: Juan Rodas Cal Bakersfield score: 5-2
4th: Brian Watanabe San Francisco State

133 Lbs:
1st: Matt Sanchez Cal Bakersfield score: PIN 4:00
2nd: Pablo Sanchez Menlo
3rd: David Espinosa UC Davis score: 7-2
4th: Alex Butler San Francisco State

141 Lbs:
1st: Donald Lockett San Francisco State score: 7-4
2nd: Roberto Vargas Cal Bakersfield
3rd: Omar Giatan UC Davis score: 8-5
4th: Zach Flake Lassen

149 Lbs:
1st: Pacifico Garcia San Francisco State score: 7-6
2nd: Anthony Baza Cal Bakersfield
3rd: Dan Cadwallder Fresno State score: PIN 1:55
4th: Jimmy Olrey Southern Oregon

157 Lbs:
1st: Jim Mederios Fresno State score: 5-1
2nd: Brian Busby Cal Bakersfield
3rd: Alex Fiaha Lassen score: DEF
4th: Jaime Alvarez San Francisco State

165 Lbs:
1st: Jimmy Girochowsky Southern Oregon score: 8-7
2nd: Brian Perry Stanford
3rd: Shane Seibert Fresno State score: 9-2
4th: Peter Jenson Colorado Sch. Mines

174 Lbs:
1st: Chris Gifford Fresno State score: 7-4
2nd: Brennan Corbett Stanford
3rd: Josh Fitzgerald Southern Oregon score: 6-1
4th: Junior Liberal Menlo

184 Lbs:
1st: David O'Brien Southern Oregon score: 8-5
2nd: Elliot Kelly UC Davis
3rd: Scott O'Rear Cal Bakersfield score: DEF
4th: Jatinder Singh Fresno State

197 Lbs:
1st: Marcio Botelho Fresno State score: FOR
2nd: Mariano Sanchez Menlo
3rd: Bryan Traveres Cal Bakersfield score: 10-6
4th: Sandeep Singh Fresno State 2

285 Lbs:
1st: Clint Walbech Fresno State score: PIN 1:53
2nd: Erick Parker Cal Bakersfield
3rd: Derek Thompson Colorado Sch. Mines score: TECH 18-3
4th: Stanley Rodriguez Menlo

Fresno State Wrestling Loses 26-10 to No. 10 Oklahoma

FRESNO, Calif. ­ Fresno State lost the first two matches and would go on to lose to No. 10 Oklahoma by a final score of 26-10 Saturday evening at the North Gym. Shane Seibert, Marcio Botelho and Joe Mavins picked up victories for the Bulldogs, but it just wasn't enough to make up for some tough draws and two upset victories by the Sooners.

Fresno State started off with the heavyweights, but Jake Hager of Oklahoma would win a tight 5-4 decision over Clint Walbeck in overtime to start the Bulldogs out in a hole. Christian Bowerman then lost to undefeated Sam Hazewinkel, the No. 1 ranked 125-pounder in the nation.

Junior Joe Mavins would score the first points of the night for Fresno State, as he won a 5-1 decision, but Fresno State ran into another undefeated wrestler, No. 2 Teyon Ware, who continued his streak by posting a major decision over Garrett Spooner, 12-2.

The Bulldogs would drop two more matches, until No. 16 Shane Seibert defeated Randy Sulaver by major decision, 12-0, including two near-falls. However, the score would be put out of reach after No. 6 E.K. Waldhaus defeated Chris Gifford 7-1.

No. 7 Marcio Botelho would close out the night by winning a major decision over Oklahoma's Austin David by a score of 8-5. The loss drops the Bulldogs to 2-5-1, after facing three straight teams in the top 15 in the nation and going 0-2-1. The Bulldogs next opponents will be Embry Riddle and Oregon State. Those teams will be coming to Fresno for a three-way dual on January 21, which will start at four. The Bulldogs will face Embry Riddle at 5:30 p.m., and Oregon State at 7 p.m. All three matches will be held in the North Gym.
2003-04 Wrestling Schedule

November
Sat 22 Fullerton Open Cal State Fullerton 9 a.m.

December
Fri-Sat 5-6 Las Vegas Tournament Las Vegas Convention Center 9 a.m.

Thurs 18 Reno Tournament Reno, Nev. Livestock Convention Ctr. 9 a.m.

January
Sat 3 FS v. Columbia Fresno, Calif. 12 p.m.
N. Iowa v. UC Davis 12 p.m.
FS v. UC Davis 1:30 p.m.
UC Davis v. Columbia 3 p.m.
FS v. N. Iowa 3 p.m.

Tues 6 SF State v. Iowa State Fresno, Calif. 4 p.m.
FS v. SF State 5:30 p.m.
FS v. Iowa State 7 p.m.

Thurs 8 Boise State Fresno, Calif. 7 p.m.

Fri 9 Oklahoma State Stillwater, Okla. 7 p.m.

Sat 10 Oklahoma Norman, Okla. 7 p.m.

Sat 17 Aggie Open UC Davis/Davis, Calif. 9 a.m.

Wed 21 Cal State Fullerton Fresno, Calif. 7 p.m.

Fri 23 Oregon Eugene, Ore. 7 p.m.

Sat 24 Oregon State Corvalis, Ore. 1 p.m.
Portland State Portland, Ore. 7 p.m.

Thurs 29 Cal Poly Fresno, Calif. 7 p.m.

Sat 31 All-California Tourney SF State/San Francisco, Calif. 9 a.m.
-more-

-2003-04 schedule p.2-
February
Sun 8 Cal State Bakersfield Bakersfield, Calif. 12 p.m.
Menlo College Fresno, Calif. 5:30 p.m.
Stanford Fresno, Calif. 7 p.m.

Fri 13 Arizona State Tempe, Ariz. 7 p.m.

Fri 20 Wyoming Fresno, Calif. 7 p.m.

March
Sat 6 West Region Air Force Academy/ 9 a.m.
Colorado Springs, Colo.