(4th day of blogs looking back on Fresno State athletics in 2007-08.)

A year ago, Fresno State Athletic Corp. board members charged with overseeing the program's finances were trumpeting what they called a prudent 2007-08 budget. If everything clicked, the surplus would be barely $5,000.

Everything didn't click, and board members on June 25 learned they were facing a nearly $600,000 deficit. Lower than expected sales of football season tickets and men's basketball season- and single-game tickets were the main culprits. A spike in travel costs hurt, too.

Board members filled the gap with an internal loan and the transfer of a surplus in another account. They're also counting on strong merchandise sales spurred by the baseball team's thrilling run through the NCAA playoffs.

It's too strong to say board members were worried about the state of the athletic department's finances. But they're concerned. A rebound in the fortunes of men's basketball would do wonders.