CHRIS HAYNES: What have you been up to this summer?
AARON HAYNES: Just working out and getting ready for my upcoming season.

C.H. How many years have you been playing overseas now?
A.H. This season coming up will be my 6th year playing overseas.

C.H. Is it true that you were 5’9 as a junior in high school and you’re now 6’8?
A.H. Lol, no I was 5’11″ my junior year and I grew to be 6’8″ by the end of my senior year.

Aaron Haynes has had a very successful career overseas.

C.H. What was it like to go through that growth spurt in a short time frame?
A.H. It felt good. I was always a smaller guard and then I became one of the bigger guys on the court in one year.

C.H. Were you recruited by anybody out of high school?
A.H. There were a couple of small colleges that showed interest, but no major programs. I knew I wasn’t ready to play D-1 out of high school, so I chose to go to juco and hone my skills.

C.H. Coach Andrew Jones of Sacramento City College said you had a knack for scoring. Where did that come from?
A.H. I think just by being a small guard my whole life, up until my senior year when I sprouted to 6’8″. I kept my guard skills and worked on my post moves and that helped me become an inside outside type of player that can score from anywhere on the court.

C.H. What schools showed interest out of Sacramento City College?
A.H. It was a lot; Washington State, USF, UC Irvine, Southern Utah, Utah State, Pacific, Boise, Idaho State. Basically a lot of small D-1 schools.

C.H. Were you disappointed Fresno State didn’t show any interest?
A.H. Actually, I was. I wanted to go there so my family could see me play for two years. However, it all worked out for the best because after I signed with Boise, Fresno State was ineligible for any postseason play. Therefore, it worked out for the best and I’m happy with the decision I made.

C.H. What was the experience like in Boise?
A.H. Ah man, it was a great experience. If I could start all over and do it again, I would. I heard a whole lot of things about Boise, which none of it were true. They treated me well and it’s a great college town. I loved it.

C.H. What was it like to comeback home and face the ‘Dogs each year?
A.H. It was great. My family got to see me play, I got a home cooked meal from my mom, and to see my family and friends, it was a very good experience for me.

C.H. You earned first team All WAC your senior season. Do you feel like you proved to the ‘Dogs that they missed out on one?
A.H. Yeah, I had a good junior and senior year. I felt I showed many schools that they should have noticed me and that I was able to play at a high level.

C.H. You led Boise to two consecutive NIT victories against UNLV and Marquette, averaging 20.0 ppg and 8.5 rpg, also putting up 21 points with 8 boards against Marquette in a loss. Did you think that was your chance to show the NBA you can play with anybody?
A.H. Actually I did. That Marquette game had many NBA scouts there because Marquette plays in the same arena has the Milwaukee Bucks. I played well but it hurt that we lost. I wanted to keep showing that I could continue to produce against bigger opponents.

C.H. You’ve now had a successful professional career, but do you ever wonder how you would fare in the NBA?
A.H. Every summer I do. I live in Sacramento now and I work out with some of the Kings players like Jason Thompson, Kevin Martin, and Donte Greene. I always play well against them so I always think about if I had that chance. At the same time I’m still blessed. I don’t want to knock my blessing by saying ‘what if.’ I’m blessed to be doing what I love.

C.H. Are there any plans to make a run at the NBA?
A.H. If the opportunity presented itself, I would like to. I know I could play there but it’s so political. I’m not so hung up on making the NBA. If I had a chance, I would take it and be grateful, but it’s very political to get in the NBA. I’m making a great living for myself overseas so I can’t complain.

C.H. Who are you playing for this season?
A.H. I just signed with Mobis Phoebus, which is in South Korea. I played last season with their rival Samsung of South Korea. I scored 42 points in a playoff game against Mobis Phoebus, now I’m one of them.

C.H. What coach was very inspirational in the path you took to play professional basketball?
A.H. I would have to name two coaches. Greg Graham at Boise and, most importantly, my coach from Sac City Andrew Jones. He’s a really good coach and I had a good off the court relationship with him. In fact, I still talk to him every summer and work out with him. He had a lot to do with honing my game and giving me the freedom to play my game. Most coaches try to put restraints on you, he didn’t do that. I owe a lot of my success to coach Jones.

THIS AND THAT: Career: Fresno High School: Averaged 17 points and six rebounds per game
2000-2001: Sacramento City College: averaged 17.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game
2001-2002: Sacramento City College: 20.4ppg: Finished as Sacramento City’s all-time leading scorer with 1,188 career points
2002-2003: Boise St. (NCAA): 29 games: 14.7ppg, 5.7rpg, 1.1apg
2003-2004: Boise St. (NCAA): 33 games: 14.8ppg, 6.1rpg, 1.7apg
2004: Drafted by Florence Flyers (USBL, 2nd round)
2004: At the beginning of June signed at Florence Flyers (USBL, starting five): 8 games: 13.4ppg, 7.4rpg, 2.1apg
2004-2005: Pyrbasket Tampere (FIN-League): got injured in Nov.’04 and was sidelined for few weeks: 28 games: 18.1ppg, 8.8rpg, 2.1apg, 1.6spg, FGP: 55.8%, 3Pts: 47.4%
2005-2006: Sundsvall Dragons (Sweden-Basketligan): only pre-season,
in Nov.’05 signed at Forssan Koripojat (FIN-1st Division, starting five): 17 games: 23.8ppg, 12.6rpg, 2.5apg, 2.0spg, 2FGP: 56.4%, 3PT: 31.8%, FT: 69.8%
2006-2007: Al Ahli (UAE-D1, starting five): 17.0ppg, 10.0rpg
2007-2008: Sporting Feytroun (Lebanon-Div.A, starting five): 15 games: Score-4(23.3ppg), Reb-1(15.4rpg), Assists-5(5.6apg), 1.7spg, Blocks-2(2.1bpg), 2FGP: 50.6%, 3PT: 15.4%, FT: 82%: 24.0ppg, Reb-1(17.0rpg), Assists-5(5.0apg), Blocks-1(2.5bpg), FT-1: 85.0%
2008-09: [Korea} Seoul Samsung Thunders (08-09) 15.3 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 82.2% FT, 58.2 FG%
——————————————————————————-
Awards/Achievements:
2002 California Community College All-State Team
All-WAC 1st Team -04
Boise State team MVP -03, 04
Finnish 1st Division Runner-Up -06
Lebanese Cup Semifinals -08
Asia-Basket.com All-Lebanese League Honorable Mention -08

GEORGE TAKATA: What are you doing now?
ALAN HARPER: Right now, I am living in the Bay Area (San Jose) enjoying life. This is the first time in 15 years that I have not played football, so I’m learning how to be a regular person. Ha Ha!

GT: How did it feel to win an arena title with San Jose with Rodney Wright?
AH: Winning the Arena Bowl was great. For most of my football career I’ve come close to winning a title and lost, so winning the big game was a great accomplishment.

Harper was drafted by the New York Jets in 2002.

GT: How would you describe your NFL experience?
AH: To be honest, it was great because I made a lot of money. But it was very stressful all the time. Their wasn’t a day nor hour where I felt like I had job security. And I played for four years. It’s probably why I have grey hairs now!

GT: What is your fondest memory of playing for Fresno State?
AH: My fondest memory has to be. suiting up and walking down the ramp for the first time. I knew my life had changed, and it changed for the better.

GT: Do you keep in touch with your old teammates?
AH: Yes. I talk to almost all of my teammates from the 2001 team, thanks to facebook! Vernon Fox and Cameron Worrell to name a couple.

GT: Do you get frustrated as a defensive lineman with all these rules to keep quarterbacks safe?
AH: No. You can’t win without a good quarterback so you need to protect them. But I may have a different answer for you if I was still playing!

GT: Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
AH: In ten years, If everything goes as planned, I well be living in Brazil.

GT: Was David Carr the best quarterback you ever played with?
AH: David Carr was a good quarterback, but I have been fortunate to play with some great ones like Vinny Testaverde and Chad Pennington. I’d have to say Chad Pennington was the best.

GT: What are your thoughts of Dan Brown? (the former Fresno State defensive coordinator who passed away this summer of brain cancer.)
AH: Dan Brown was the reason I came to Fresno State. He mentored and helped me to become a great football player and man. It hurts to think about it. I miss him a lot.

GT: Three people you would love to have dinner with are?
AH: Good question! Halle Berry, Ivete Sangalo (a famous Latin and Grammy award winning singer from Brazil), and President Obama.

Alan won an Arena Bowl title with the San Jose Sabercats in 2007. (Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

THIS AND THAT: Allocated by the Jets to NFL Europe and played for the Scottish Claymores in 2004 where he posted 36 tackles and 3.0 sacks starting all 10 games…Played in 11 games with the Jets in 2004 recording 6 tackles…Saw action in both playoff games totaling 3 tackles… started 45 of the 50 games he played at Fresno State… Moved into the starting lineup early his freshman year and totaled 233 tackles and 21.0 sacks in his Bulldog career…Was named to the Lombardi and Outland Award watch list as a senior…Defensive Player of the Year and All-WAC first-team selection in 2001 after leading the league with 12.0 sacks…First-team all-conference as both a sophomore and junior…Finished his sophomore season with 80 tackles and 5.0 sacks…Played in every game as a freshman and posted 39 tackles for the season… Single… Just turned 30 years old September 6th.

GEORGE TAKATA: How long have you been on the police force?
LEE HARRIS: I’ve been on the force for about nine and a half years now.

GT: Can you believe it’s been over ten years since you played football at Fresno State?
LH: It’s gone by pretty fast. You’re playing college football one day, the next day you’re playing in Kansas City and having the opportunity to play with Joe Montana, Marcus Allen and Derrick Thomas. It goes by so fast. If you blink, you’ll miss it.

GT: What was it like playing with all those legends with the Chiefs?
LH: It was awesome. Just to be around Joe Montana, who’s a legend. I grew up watching him play. Marcus Allen is a tremendous guy who I learned a lot from. He shared a lot of his knowledge with me. Just watching those guys play in the latter part of their careers was amazing for me.

Lee Harris was part of the 1992 Freedom Bowl Fresno State team.

GT: How did you know law enforcement was going to be your next career after football?
LH: Well, I grew up on the west side of Fresno. There were several officers that would come around that I looked up to as good role models, so I knew after God blessed me to play football at Fresno State and going to the pros I knew there was a second part of life. I wanted to make a difference in young kids’ lives so no better way in doing it than being a police officer.

GT: What did it mean to you to be able to play college football at home?
LH: It meant everything. My grandmother was the one who raised me. During my years at Fresno State she started getting sick so it was real good for me to be able to play in front of her and for her to watch me play in her later years so that was awesome.

GT: What are some of your fondest memories as a Bulldog?
LH: The camaraderie I had with the guys. Lorenzo Neal. David Dunn. Charlie Jones. Malcolm Seabron. Mark Barsotti. Trent Dilfer. Just being around those guys and being together, growing at the same time and sharing that experience. And of course having a coach like Jim Sweeney is never less than exciting!

GT: What was it like winning the Freedom Bowl over USC?
LH: Wow. To win that Freedom Bowl was something our program had never seen. USC was a powerhouse as they usually are every year, and to beat them because they were talking so big was huge. They did not want to give Fresno State any credit. They said were were a country town, a country team so these country boys showed the city boys how to play football. That made it feel extra good.

GT: What was it like playing with Trent Dilfer?
LH: Trent was awesome. Trent was the guy that you could go to in the huddle and talk about plays and he would put you on the spot. He would tell you, ‘Lee, I’m going to you on this play,’ and you had to be ready. Trent and I came in at the same time so we were able to grow together and learn from each other.

GT: Is there any wide receiver that’s played for Fresno State that reminds you of you?
LH: Of course Bernard Berrian. He had more way more speed than I had but he’s lanky, tall and able to jump, a lot of the qualities that I had. He just had the exceptional speed that I didn’t have!

GT: Do you keep track of the Bulldogs today?
LH: I do. I think Coach Hill is putting together a program that people in the valley can be proud of. We’re playing a lot of big powerhouse teams and we have to be ready to step up to the plate like dogs do.

GT: What was the biggest catch you’ve ever made?
LH: I think it had to be a preseason game against the Oilers. It came down to the fourth quarter and they had us by three points with 30 seconds to go. I go into the huddle and Alex Van Pelt does the same thing to be Trent used to do, ‘Hey Lee, I’m going to you.’ Caught the ball, turned it upfield and scored the game winning touchdown. That was real nice for me. I got a lot of play on ESPN’s Sportscenter. I think that was the best catch that I can remember. That really did it for me.

GT: What happened after that?
LH: Unfortunately, I got hurt and they sent me to NFL Europe. I had fun there. I went a lot of places that I would have never gone before: Amsterdam, London, all parts of Germany. I got to see different cultures so it was great to play with the other pros that were there and start that part of our career.

GT: What were the injuries you sustained during your career?
LH: Chronic hamstring problems. Broken ribs. Broken foot. I just couldn’t escape the injury bug. But I wouldn’t trade the experience of playing pro football for the world. It’s something I’ll never forget.

THIS AND THAT: Married with two kids… played with Chiefs in 1994… played for the Scottish Claymores in NFL Europe… last year in pro football was during the 95-96 season.

GEORGE TAKATA: Where are you playing ball this season and how many years have you played professionally?
TERRELL LYDAY: Well, this season I’m playing in Russia and I’ve been playing professional basketball for eight years now.

GT: What do you like most about playing overseas?
TL: Wow! Overseas is just all in all a great experience for me. I get to see the world and, at the same time, doing something I love and getting paid for it. Doesn’t get any better than that!

GT: Was there some culture shock when you first started playing overseas?
TL: Big culture shock. I mean, going somewhere where you know absolutely no-one and basically like your’e starting from scratch. Once you get the hang of things like the language, it becomes much easier.

GT: How cool is it to travel the world and do what you love the most at the same time?
TL: There’s nothing like traveling the world and doing something that makes you happy at the same time. It’s kind of like a dream come true. I have so many special memories that will last me a lifetime.

GT: Do you still have aspirations to play in the NBA?
TL: No, I can’t say I have so many aspirations to play in the NBA. The NBA is pretty political and they kind of want you to jump through hoops, and that’s just not something I’m going to do.

GT: What was it like playing for Steve Cleveland (now Fresno State’s head coach) at BYU?
TL: I have nothing but great things to say about coach Cleveland. He was a big inspiration to my career. Just being at BYU took my game to a whole new level. Coach Cleveland’s understanding of the game makes him a great players’ coach.

GT: Was there an adjustment period for you at BYU?
TL: Oh yeah, there was definitely a adjustment process. It was much more serious than FCC. I mean, you had to go to class every day, and there weren’t too many teachers letting you off easy because you’re an athlete! LOL! But the atmosphere for their sports program was out of this world! 20,000 die- hard faithful fans are hard to come by.

GT: Was Coach Cleveland the reason why you went to BYU?
TL: Actually, Cleveland and (Heath) Schroyer were the reasons I went to BYU. They gave me a great vibe during my visit, so I knew that was where I should be.

GT: Can Fresno State become a contender in the WAC under Coach Cleveland?
TL: I definitely think that Fresno State an become a contender if they buy into the system Cleveland lays out and he get the guys he wants to go there. You will surely see the changes in that program. He built BYU from the ground up, so I don’t see why he couldn’t do it in his hometown.

GT: Do you miss Fresno when you’re gone?
TL: Yeah, I miss my family and friends, but I mean I can’t really miss Fresno because Fresno will never change and it’s not going anywhere. LOL! But I grew up there, so I will always have a place in my heart for Fresno. But i dont think that will be my final destination.

THIS AND THAT: Lyday moved to Poland for the 2001-02 season, signed by Azoty Unia Tarnow…moved to Turkey on March ‘03, signed by Galatasaray Istanbul…moved to France for the 2003-04 season, signed by Cholet Basket…signed for the 2004-05 season by ASVEL Villeurbanne…moved to Russia for the 2005-06 season, signed by Ural Great Perm…moved to Italy for the 2006-07 season, signed by Benetton Basket Treviso…moved to Russia for the 2007-08 season, signed by Triumph Lyubertsy…signed for the 2008-09 season, signed by Unics Kazan… won the 2006 FIBA EuroCup Challenge with Ural Great Perm…won the 2007 Italian National Cup with Benetton Basket Treviso…won the 2009 Russian National Cup with Unics Kazan…won the 2006 Italian SuperCup with Benetton Basket Treviso…played the 2005 French All Star Game…led the 2005-06 Russian League in steals (2.4 spg.)…named to the 2000-01 All-Mountain East Conference 1st Team with BYU.

GEORGE TAKATA: Where are you now and what are you doing?
JIM ARELLANES: I am currently the Head Football Coach at Northview HS in Covina, CA. I have been coaching high school football since 1999. The first few years I was coaching during the fall and playing during the spring. 1999 in NFL Europe (Rhein Fire, Germany), 2000 in the Arena Football League (Carolina Cobras & Florida Bobcats) & 2001 in the XFL (Orlando Rage). I was an assistant coach for 6 years at 2 different high schools before becoming the head coach at Northview. We have done a pretty good job turning this program around. Northview HS had not won a league championship since 1990. We just won our 2nd straight league title! I really enjoy coaching at this level and it is not about the wins and losses, but rather the impact that we have on these young men. It is great to see them mature and work hard towards a common goal. My staff and I were selected to coach the East squad in this years Hall of Fame Game down here in the San Gabriel Valley. So we have had a good 3 years.

GT: Do you have any “Jim Sweeney” in you?
JA: Of course! I have been very fortunate to have been around some very good coaches during my time as a player and as an assistant coach. I have based so much of what I try and do as a coach has been because of all those great coaches I have been around. Coach Sweeney and some of his philosophies are very instrumental in some of the success I have had as both a player and a coach.

GT: What was it like to be named World Bowl MVP? What year was that and with what team?
JA: It was an unbelievable experience. That year, 1998 with the Rhein Fire (Dusseldorf, Germany), I was a back up to Mike Quinn all season. We had a good team and Mike was having a great year. He got hurt with like 4 minutes left during our last regular season game. I went in for one series and threw an incomplete pass. My only action all season. We had already clinched the World Bowl berth. During the week, I had the opportunity to work with the 1’s and I prepared all week as if I was going to be the starter, while Mike was trying to rehab and still play. I didn’t find out til just before the game that he was not going to be able to play. It was pouring rain almost the entire game.
True story, following the regular season finale, my offensive coordinator was very upset because the opposing team was hooting and hollering because they took Mike out of the game. They were to be our opponent in the World Bowl. He came to me immediately following the loss in the locker room, pulled me aside and said “You are going to start next week, we are going to win that game and you are going to be the MVP!” We went on to win 34-10 and I was named MVP 12-16 for 269 yards and 3 TD’s.

GT: When was the last time you were in Fresno?
JA: Probably 7 or 8 years ago. I try and make plans to go watch a game or to go check out spring ball, but I just haven’t been able to. I really want to make it back soon!

Arellanes was always battling Rich Donati for the starting quarterback job at Fresno State. (Photo courtesy: Getty Images)

GT: What’s your fondest memory of playing for Fresno State?
JA: The very first time I ran onto the field at Bulldog Stadium. I believe it was during the 2nd quarter of our opening game. I just remember hearing the roar of the crowd when they announced that I was in the game. I usually didn’t hear that kind of stuff, but I did that time. A moment I will never forget.

GT: Are you married? Do you have kids? If so, what are their ages?
JA: I am divorced and have 2 children. My ex-wife is a UCLA grad and actually teaches at the same high school that I teach at. My daughter, Madison is 8 and my son James III is 4.

GT: Did you ever think you’d be coaching after playing?
JA: You know, I never thought I would be doing what I am doing now. I have my degree in Criminal Justice and thought I was going into law enforcement when I was done playing, but I got an opportunity from a former coach of mine to become a walk on assistant coach back in 1999. He suggested I started substitute teaching when I wasn’t playing. I fell in love with the teaching/coaching immediately.

GT: Do you still keep track of how the Bulldogs are doing?
JA: Absolutely! I follow how all the former NFL Bulldogs are doing. I got to watch Billy Volek in the playoffs 2 years ago and Brian Robinson in the Super Bowl this past February. I also keep up with those ‘Dogs who have played after me. It is always exciting to see them playing and doing well.

Arellanes was named World Bowl MVP with the Rhein Fire.

GEORGE TAKATA: Where in Spain are you now?
CHRIS HERNANDEZ: I’m currently playing in Valladolid, Spain. I have been playing in Valladolid since August 23, 2008.

GT: What are some of the main differences between playing in Spain to the U.S.?
CH: I think the biggest difference is the big men. U.S. big men on average are taught to focus more on one on one defense compared to big men overseas pay more attention to help defense. On offense, big men overseas are by far better shooters on average.

GT: Do you still have aspirations of playing in the NBA?
CH: My aspirations to play in the NBA are more realistic than they were when I was growing up. I would love to play in the NBA, but I have to prove myself overseas first.

GT: Did you learn Spanish in Spain?
CH: I began learning Spanish in high school. I studied Spanish for two years, but did not retain much of what I learned. In college, I studied Spanish again, but only for one year. Again, I did not retain much because in both high school and college I never spoke Spanish outside the classroom. This is my third year in Spain, and every year I have been learning and studying. I feel that I have good grasp for the language now.

GT: Are you considered to be a fan favorite?
CH: I don’t think so, but I honestly don’t know. I don’t read any of the papers or watch the local news. The no read/no watch policy is something I began doing in college and I have continued it in Spain as well. I don’t like to get too high on praise and dwell too much on criticism.

GT: Do you miss Fresno?
CH: Yes, I miss Fresno. My family is in Fresno and I have a lot of friends that I grew up with that are still living in the NO. I also miss a lot of my favorite places to get food….aka Golden Donuts and Fresno Bagel.

GT: What are some of the biggest differences in living in Spain compared to the U.S. – gas prices, food prices, etc.?
CH: One of the biggest things is that virtually any types of business whether it is banks, supermarkets, post offices or restaurants all have different time schedules for when they are open to do business. For example, banks are only open from 10-2 Mon- Fri; they are not open on the weekends. There are no 24 hour stores AT ALL. On Sunday, everything is closed except for restaurants. In general, the lifestyle in Spain is much more laid back than it is in the States. During the day there is a 2-3 hour break from work for a “siesta” or nap. During lunch and dinner, people usually sit, eat and talk for hours. They don’t like to dine and dash like people normally do in the states.

GT:What did you get your degrees in at Stanford?
CH: I earned a BA in Sociology and my MA in Sociology with a focus in business and organization.

GT: How often do you come back to Fresno?
CH: I usually come back to Fresno for a couple weeks in the summer and during my Christmas break.

It’s only been less than a year since Laura Luethke won the individual WAC Women’s Golf title, leading Fresno State to its first team championship in school history at the same time. Luethke has won at every level she’s played in, from high school (two-time state champion) to college. Now, she’s working on becoming a winner at the highest level possible: the LPGA Tour.

The road to that goal is just beginning.

Luethke's picture-perfect form will be on display April 6 on the Cactus Tour in Phoenix.

Laura is her own fundraiser. She raised about $4,500 dollars by hosting a golf tournament at Riverbend Golf Club last month. That money will be used to play in mini tournaments next month, starting with the Cactus Tour in Phoenix April 6. She will play in three tournaments in Arizona, as well as few in Southern California in the California Players Tour.

“I’m really thankful to all the people that came out and helped me with that,” Luethke said. “That will be enough to definitely get me through the month depending on how I do in the tournaments. I’m excited. Just to go to new places, travel a little bit. I’m looking forward to it.”

Luethke says raising money to play isn’t easy.

“The financial part is kind of the hardest part,” she said. “Getting enough money to play in the tournaments and be able to travel kind of takes some time and preparation. But right now I’m enjoying it. There’s still a long way to go, but I’m having fun.”

Another major adjustment for Luethke was making her own schedule. Gone are the days when Bulldogs head coach Angie Cates had that all taken care of. Now, it’s up to Laura to take care of it herself.

“It’s kind of weird not having a practice routine that someone else has set up for you,” said Luethke. “I just kind of have to be more organized and do it more for myself. All the stuff that Angie used to do for us I have to do it on my own now, so its harder.”

Luethke is also coaching herself, save for the times her dad Ed (a former All-American golfer at Fresno State) helps her with her swing. Lessons haven’t been necessary as of yet.

“I like just playing and trying to figure it out,” she said. “I’ve actually been hitting the ball pretty good lately, so I haven’t really been too concerned about changing my swing.”

The mini-tours lead up to the biggest stage for every young golfer: Q school, or qualifying school. If Luethke does well there in September, she could get her LPGA Tour card pretty quickly.

“I know it’s going to take some time on the mini tours, but I feel if I get on a roll that it can be sooner than the next couple of years,” Luethke said. I feel like I can get there (LPGA Tour) this year or the next year.”

The drive down that road to her goal may be a very short one.

THIS AND THAT: Q school sectional qualifying will be held at the Mission Hills Country Club in Palm Springs September 17-20… Luethke graduated from Fresno State with a degee in Communiations… She’s 22 years old… Also gives lessons at Riverbend… Uses former Bulldog All-American Nick Watney’s success on the PGA Tour as motivation.

For the first time in his now seven year professional career, former Diamond Dog third baseman Casey McGehee is getting exactly what he wants: an opportunity to make a big league club out of spring training. Claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers this offseason, the former Chicago Cubs farmhand is making noise in Brewers camp. As of Thursday March 12, McGehee is batting .429 with a pair of round trippers and five RBI, four of them coming in one at-bat, a grand slam against the Australian national team March 4th. Needless to say, McGehee is comfortable in his new surroundings.

“As soon as I walked in that clubhouse, I felt like I was a part of it,” McGehee said. “From Trevor Hoffman all the way down the line everyone’s been real positive and friendly. It’s a good mix of young guys and vets.”

Thanks to his strong start, the Brewers’ coaching staff has a tough decision to make as to whether or not McGehee will be granted a roster spot.

“I don’t know,” said McGehee. “They say I’ve got a chance. The way I’m looking at it is if I have a good spring there needs to be a discussion on whether I make the team or not. Whether it’s a good chance or not at least I have that chance.”

That wasn’t the case with the Cubs, who drafted McGehee in the tenth round in 2003.

“With the Cubs, no matter what I did I knew I wasn’t going to make that team out of spring training,” McGehee said. “It’s definitely different in that aspect, knowing that there’s an opportunity for me with Milwaukee.”

McGehee got his first taste of big league action with the Cubs last September. (Photo courtesy: Charles Rex Arbogast, Associated Press)

“We were playing the Mets in New York and (Johan) Santana was starting,” McGehee said. “I hit a double my first at-bat, and every at-bat after that I felt I got his attention a little bit. I had some great at bats against him. The confidence I gained from experiencing it has been invaluable. I wasn’t a fish out of water.”

“The best thing about it is no matter what else I do, no one can take away that I went in and played against the best players in meaningful games,” he continued. “If I never have another at-bat in the bigs, I can say I faced the best there is to offer. I never felt overmatched.”

McGehee, who played for both Bob Bennett and Mike Batesole at Fresno State from 2001-2003, was one of the many proud alumni who watched the Diamond Dogs clinch the national title over Georgia in person. He was destined to be at Rosenblatt Stadium for the finale: his Iowa Cubs had an off day the same day as the final game, and it was just a two hour drive to Des Moines to Omaha. “It just worked out perfectly that I could get up there to see that,” said McGehee.

Will it work out perfectly for McGehee to make it to the show from the get-go?

“I’ve been lucky to get off to a good start. We’re about halfway through and a good start doesn’t mean anything if you have a bad finish. My focus is on having quality at-bats and making a good impression.”

It could, at long last, finally be a lasting impression.

THIS AND THAT: McGehee is wearing #52 with the Brewers. That could be an omen: that’s 25 backwards, the number of players allowed on a major league roster… Batted .296 with 12 home runs and 92 RBI for AAA Iowa in 133 games in 2008… Has a wife (Sarah) and son Mackail (2).

It was a Roy Hobbs moment for arguably the greatest baseball player in Fresno State history. Back in the batters box for another shot at the stratosphere, thanks to the egging-on of a handful of Clovis North High School parents who probably watched him at Fresno State over 20 years ago. And 43 year-old Lance Shebelut didn’t disappoint.

Gone. Long gone. So why not take another hack?

Lance Shebelut now bats cleanup for Trinity Fruit.

Next swing, pop goes the elbow. Torn biceps tendon. On deck, surgery.

The only thing Shebelut tore as a Bulldog was the cover off the baseball. His stats in 1988 were video game-like. A .401 batting average, 32 home runs (a single season school record), and 94 RBI (another school record). “He could have played in the big leagues without question,” said his former Bulldog teammate Bryan Marsoobian. “He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.” Fresno State finished 56-12, went to the College World Series and, at one point, were ranked number one in the nation. “Every time he hit a home run that year except once, he came back in the dugout and said he just missed it,” Marsoobian said. “Incredible power.”

Shebelut was drafted in the third round of the ’88 draft by the Detroit Tigers. Surprisingly, not the greatest moment of his life.

“I didn’t see myself playing baseball. I saw myself on a tractor,” said Shebelut. 

A six week minor league career and that was it for Shebelut, who returned to the valley for life on the farm. He was with Detroit’s single A affiliate, the Fayetteville Generals. Homesick and down to 185 pounds thanks to a bleeding ulcer, Shebelut flew home, got on that tractor and has never looked back. The Tigers wanted him back so bad they promised him 58 at-bats in the big leagues if he returned. Thanks, but no thanks. 

“I didn’t want to be gone from my family eight months out of the year every year,” he said. “I had doubts about playing professionally from day one.”

Now, Shebelut lives vicariously through the 2008 National Championship team. He and a handful of Diamond Dog alums rented a private jet and watched the title clinching win against Georgia. “We wanted to be there to see what had never been done before and show our gratitude,” Shebelut said. “That team had true grit. They never said die. We are all so proud of what they accomplished. We stayed up playing cards on the plane the whole way back after they won it all.”

Shebelut's 1988 stats: .401 average, 32 home runs and 94 RBI. (Photo courtesy: California State University, Fresno)

The valley is a better place with Shebelut now cleaning up in the produce industry. He is the managing partner of Del Shebelut Farms, a diversified farming operation of various fruit and nut crops. He also works in grower relations for Trinity Fruit, a year-round shipper and marketer of fresh California and Chilean fruits, nuts and vegetables. He has over 20 years of hands-on farming experience. “It’s a blast. I have a lot of fun talking to growers every day. I learn something from them all the time,” Shebelut said.

Lance lives in Fresno with his wife Shannon, 16 year old son Brayton, and daughters Ashlyn (14) and Ryan (12). Brayton, an outfielder, has baseball in his blood, and dad is always helping him out. But pops isn’t getting in the way of the Clovis North coaching staff. “I love helping my son, but I’m not going to step on anyone’s toes.” 

Most people will remember Lance Shebelut for his baseball accomplishments. But they pale in comparison to what he’s done since he got back on his tractor.

THIS AND THAT: Graduated from Bullard High School… shortstop Danny Muno is his favorite player from the ’08 team because of the way he set the table for the rest of the lineup as a freshman… transferred to Fresno State from Stanford… was originally an outfielder, but blew out his knee in 1983… former big leaguer Travis Fryman was his roommate in the minors… would like to see Fresno State play a tougher non-conference baseball schedule.