I like Sac State because...

March 24, 1999

Originally Published By The State Hornet (Sacramento State)

I LIKE SAC STATE BECAUSE…

By Mark Bryant

We have seen a lot of changes, tremendous upheaval, many disappointments, and a lot of talk about how to move forward with our athletic program this year.

So, what’s good to like about Sac State sports?

I like Sac State because, unlike some other places, hitting the books count just as much as what our players do on the field.

That means, we don’t have a pillbox factory turning out ready-made material, but students who happen to be athletes, and perform well, all things considering. Hence, our slogan, “Images of Excellence.”

I like our up-and-coming basketball program because head coach Tom Abatemarco did wonders, seeing how this was his very first recruiting class and the team had won only one game the year before.

We didn’t see an immediate string of wins for a long time to come, but Abatemarco was able to triple the wins from a year ago. Believe it or not, there is a plan to bring competitive basketball here.

I like it that Nate Murase was named Big Sky Conference freshman of the year. He averaged a team high 10.3 points. He and Rene Jacques are the two starting first year players that Abatemarco brought in.

I like it that spring sports are spring sports. In other words, they start on time and aren’t (usually) rained or snowed out. Some parts of the country don’t begin the season spring until we start summer.

I like the Bleacher Bums that bedevil opposing outfielders at the Hornet diamond each game. The left field pavilion at the high-rise garage overlooking the field is a danger zone for the other team’s fielder.

I like it that The Bums don’t let anyone slide. They are known to razz the green and gold guys if they aren’t playing up to speed- or even if they are.

Despite rumors to the contrary, the baseball team actually does have a locker room with running water, not nails and a hose as is commonly thought.

The basketball teams do have a play to play, not a hoop over a garage as is commonly thought.

The problem? It’s off-campus in the middle of downtown, smack dab in a neighborhood no person in their right mind would go after dark. Maybe even in broad daylight.

When I went to see the Hornets take on Eastern Washington here on a Saturday afternoon for win number three, I was mostly turned off by the lack of fans on hand. Did they come dressed as empty seats?

As it was, there were probably as many visiting fans behind the Eagles bench as there were Hornet fans on that side of the court.

What’s the answer? Let’s hit harder on recruiting, so we can attract the type of athletes we need in order to become successful in Division I.

There is talent, and we are not that far away, but we are finding out that it takes time and commitment to make that happen. If it does, I’ll like that.