Digger delivers

You knew something special was going to happen when Digger Phelps stepped up to the podium to speak at last week's basketball tip-off dinner.

Athletes, coaches, local media and students alike gathered in anticipation for a rousing speech, and Phelps delivered just that.

Fox Sports broadcaster and Master of Ceremonies Jim Crandall lead the evening which included speeches by Director of Athletics Judith Davidson and CSUS President Donald Gerth.

But the night truly belonged to Phelps.

Phelps, a renowned ESPN college basketball analyst and former Notre Dame basketball coach, captivated the sell-out crowd of 800 by focusing on the meaning of dedication and determination both on and off the court.

For Phelps, who flourished at Notre Dame, coaching did not come easily at first.

Phelps, like CSUS head coach Tom Abatemarco, spent much of his first year with lots of effort but little to show for it, and finished dead last in the conference. Over time, though, Phelps was able to turn around a struggling program at a school that was known for and heavily supported Fighting Irish football.

Sound familiar? It should. For years, CSUS has given a big push to football, and support for basketball has been hurting due to a lackluster program and sagging community support. Coach Abatemarco hopes he can turn things around for the Hornets, and generate fan support.

To aid in the cause, Phelps challenged the players to stay focused and give 100 percent commitment.

"You are the pioneers. It's up to you to make the dream a reality," he said. "To achieve that reality, you need to take risks and be willing to be different than everyone else."

Phelps was also eager to lend his help and support to Abatemarco. "This is the guy who's going to take you where you want to go," said Phelps of his longtime friend and colleague. "He can guide you to the entire pie in the Big Sky."

The question he posed to the players was simple: Do you have the will to win?

Hopefully, that answer is "yes."

The road to the top will hopefully begin with this year's team, the most promising by far in recent years for the Hornets.

Abatemarco unveiled his 1998-99 squad in grand fashion, which will be lead by senior standout Sean Houston and highly-touted freshmen Rene Jacques and Nate Murase.

"It's the right time to be in the Big Sky," said Phelps and Abatemarco.

"We have no excuses this year," said Abatemarco, referring to the 1-25 record of last season. "These guys will be ready to play."

And, according to "Coach T," these guys will be getting it done in the classroom.

Phelps stressed this issue as well.

"You must accept your role and get the job done, on and off the court," said Phelps, who firmly believes that you can do both.

The final message was clear.

"The biggest game is called life," Phelps said. "The only way you'll lose that game is if you give up on yourself."