Another semester has been put in the books and finals week is almost upon us. The traditional stress and cramming that we all have come to expect is here. But, Hornet fans, there is hope.

And believe it or not, this hope I?m speaking of lies within our sports program. This past school year has been one of the most productive and exciting in terms of sports in a long time. Why are you laughing? This season was a true step forward towards the goal that everyone on campus wants. Including the nerds who play video games via the internet all night, and would rather take a class through their computer then come to campus and interact with humans. But I should stop before they decide to hack into my computer and give me the Michael Angelo Virus or something. Anyway back to my goal that all students want- a winning sports program that will bring in more money to the school and more recognition to the school.

Winning is the cure all. The more the program wins the better the chance that Sac State can keep some of its local talent local.

Making Sac State a viable option to local blue chip athletes and athletes throughout the country is the goal.

Let?s reflect on what this past sports year has brought us. Let?s start with the big boys who kick off the sports year in the fall, the Hornet football team. They are coming off a 7-4 record, their best since joining Division IAA, and have exciting new recruits coming in and recently inked a two-year deal with UPN KMAX Channel 31to televise selected games throughout the season. This will be huge when it comes to local recruiting.

The men?s tennis team just completed another Big Sky Championship season, its third in the last four years. Led by its big serve smashing standout Sherif Zaher, who recently picked up the conference MVP trophy given to the baddest player in the conference. And, oh yes folks, Zaher is only a junior so he?ll be back to help the squad push for a 3-peat.

Moving on to the volleyball team that posted a 21-11 record. Better make room on the mantle in Eureka Hall because these ladies brought back another Big Sky Conference Tournament Championship this past season. Same goes for the women?s rowing team, which collected its second intercollegiate title in as many years.

Still not convinced? Tough crowd.

How about the gymnastics team, which throughout the season was nationally ranked and finished on top of the conference for the second consecutive year. And two key members will return next year: Wendy Baisdon and Toni Peterson.

And if your still having doubts, how about the baseball team, which started slowly and then hit a mid-season funk until the recent hot streak. Posting impressive wins versus national powerhouse Stanford, and nationally ranked, and conference foe, Fresno State, baseball is on a roll.

I know I have left some teams out but there are too many good teams on campus to get pumped about: A good problem. This year is the year that Sac State athletics turns the corner, no longer is the school a huge junior college with junior college athletes. We are for real and the program is only going to get better. Ol? Prez Gerth must show some gerth and support Hornet Athletics. The time has come to put Sac State on the map. We have to continue to hire good coaches and make an effort to keep some of the better local athletes here in Sacramento and recruit like mad to get out of area athletes as well. This is a sign of big things to come but it needs your support.