(5th day of blogs looking back on Fresno State athletics in 2007-08.)

Officials at the Bulldog Foundation say better days may be ahead for the nearly 60-year-old booster group.

The past year was a challenge. The foundation generated about $7 million in pledges from its recent fund-raising drive, down about $500,000 from last year's pledge total. The donations are pivotal to funding athletic scholarships.

The shaky economy hurt, say foundation officials. And, with Big Ten Conference powerhouse Wisconsin coming to Bulldog Stadium this football season, there's still hope for making up the difference, they add.

At a Bulldog Foundation Annual Fund trustees meeting earlier this year, several members said the organization had a morale problem. But at the June meeting, after an impressive spring by Fresno State athletes, the talk was only of better times.

"High tides raise all boats," says long-time Bulldog Foundation member John Wallace.