Fresno State shuts down three athletic programs, others doing what they can to survive the pandemic

Fresno State University announced in mid-October they were shutting down three athletics programs in order to make up for lost revenue from COVID-19.

Women’s lacrosse, men’s tennis and men’s wrestling will all close their doors as casualties of the pandemic. Other programs are trying to bounce back.

After scares of 2020 seasons being cancelled, Fresno State football started its shortened season on October 24 at home with no fans in attendance. There was no tailgating allowed in the area.

It’s a tough blow for many Bulldog fans like MJ Meehan, but he is just happy they are playing at all. “I’m pretty bummed that we as fans can’t go to the games and support our boys, but I am pretty psyched that they get to play this year, and that they get a shot,” said Meehan.

Other sports programs around Fresno tried to make up for lost time and money, too. The Fresno Monsters hockey club continued with their shortened season at Gateway Ice Center rather than the Selland Arena. Monster’s play by play broadcaster John English believed things were going to take awhile to get back to normal. “You’re seeing an attempt to slowly get back to normal and I think that’s the right move. It is not going to be overnight,” he said.

These programs are tasked with following health protocols while also meeting their bottom line. While the fans and the program directors feel the pain of the pandemic, the players have a hefty share of the burden as well. For some, this is their last chance to play before their athletic career is over.

“There are some of these guys were it will be their last shot to do something in that uniform,” said English.