SAN FRANCISCO – The Sonoma State Seawolves have been on the men's basketball schedule as far back as last season when the Dons created their slate for the 2017-18 campaign, but after the devastating fires that took place in the North Bay in the fall, the game has taken on a deeper significance.
The two basketball programs are linked, not only through mutual respect between the two head coaches, but in family ties. Sonoma State's head coach, Pat Fuscaldo, is the husband of USF women's basketball head coach
Molly Goodenbour. The two live in Sonoma with their dogs. Fuscaldo shared some of his and Goodenbour's experiences during those terrifying days in the North Bay.
"The waiting was the worst part of it," said Fuscaldo. "That Monday (Oct. 9) we were put on alert to evacuate. Not knowing where the fire was and which way it was moving, was daunting for our entire neighborhood. Life is slowly getting back to normal here at SSU and the community. But for those who lost everything it will be months, years or perhaps never be the same. Can you imagine going to bed that night when the fire started? Saying your prayers waking up and then having life that you've worked for and cherished is gone. You have no home, no business or job and your kids have no school to go to. It's a nightmare to say the least."
It is with that in mind, that the University of San Francisco athletics department in conjunction with the Sonoma State athletics department has renamed the men's basketball game between the Dons and the Seawolves to the Fire Relief Game. The contest, held on Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 7:00 p.m., will be held in an effort to help those affected by the fires in the North Bay. Fans are encouraged to visit the website NomaGives to donate and help our neighbors in the North Bay.
Fuscaldo, who took time away from his team during the fires, has plenty of stories to share about the terrifying times. "By mid-morning (Oct. 9) our neighbor's homes started filling up with family and friends who were displaced by the fire. Some of which would find out they lost their homes and their belongings. For the next five days, we sat and waited. Two more times we were put on alert to evacuate. Friday morning was the worst. The winds were predicted to change and increase to 50 miles an hour. That sent fear and panic in to our neighbors. When Coffey Park went up in flames and was demolished the fire was a mile away from our neighborhood. This was the scariest time of the whole ordeal. But come the next morning the winds hadn't picked up or changed direction. I got up and looked to the sky and the fog was rolling in. It looked as if it was the hand of God putting an end to the madness."
Even with all the heartbreaking tragedy, Fuscaldo had some truly heartwarming stories. He speaks on the courageousness of the first responders, who came from all over the Bay Area to help, as well as the way neighbors banded together, bringing out the best in the county and region.
"People up here need thoughts and prayers but most of all they need our dollars to help them pick up the pieces and start over," added Fuscaldo. "Please help in any way you can. God is watching not only over all of us but what we do and how we treat one another."
NomaGives was created by Sonoma State in an effort to provide ongoing and long-lasting support as the North Bay recovers from those devastating fires. NomaGives provides a gateway for both supporters and those in need, establishing a mechanism for aid to reach those who need it most.
For more information on NomaGives or for how you can get involved please visit the
website.
