Sports

he same reality has hit me several times this year.

On Friday, leading up to this column, my last for the California Aggie, the reality hit me harder than ever.

Name: Eddie Gamboa

Hometown: Merced, Calif.

Sport: Baseball

Position: Pitcher

Year: Senior

Major: Communication

In a season in which the UC Davis baseball team set a school record with 35 wins, senior Eddie Gamboa has been a huge contributor to the team's success.

When the Aggies took the track at the NCAA Division I West Region Track and Field Championships in Northridge this weekend, they already had their sights set on Des Moines, Iowa - home of the NCAA Championships.

With the regional now in the books, the team can officially look toward Des Moines. But unfortunately, no Aggie will be making the trip past Northridge this season.

Event: NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament - Stanford Regional

Teams: UC Davis vs. No. 15 Stanford vs. Pepperdine vs. Arkansas

Records: Aggies, 34-22; Cardinal, 33-21-2; Waves, 36-19; Razorbacks, 34-22

It's the reason any college athlete competes.

It's why these athletes wake up at five in the morning six days a week and return later at night for the second practice of the day.

It's a national title with a thrilling finish.

No. 1 STANFORD

Season in brief

Coming into the 2008 season, Stanford had hosted 13 regionals and had won an impressive 120 tournament games all-time.

The Cardinal has added to one of those numbers, and will look to advance the second starting today.

Event: NCAA Division I West Region Championships

Host: Cal State Northridge

Where: Matador Track Complex - Northridge, Calif.

When: Today and Saturday, all day

On Monday, the NCAA announced that UC Davis was one of three teams in the country to earn an at-large bid to the 2008 NCAA Division I Baseball Tournament.

On Kevin Nosek's court, there lie two sets of boundaries.

One is clearly visible to all - a distinct outline formed by a coat of Yale blue paint that frames Hamilton Court like a portrait.

The clock has struck midnight and the Cinderella story has come to an end.

he Aggies knew they had put together a strong résumé.

In their first year as Division I members, they compiled a winning record against both conference and Top 25 teams. The program also posted its best overall record in four years.

On May 9, UC Davis club cycling pedaled into Fort Collins, Colo. as underdogs once again, looking for a little respect.

And the Aggies certainly earned it.

Of the four rugby competitions ever held at the Olympic level, the United States has competed in two. And with the help and leadership of UC Davis alumnus Colby E. "Babe" Slater, the U.S. holds a perfect 2-0 record.

Teams: UC Davis vs. Cal State Northridge

Records: Aggies, 32-21 (11-10); Matadors, 23-30 (7-14)

Sirena Williams is used to it.

The UC Davis track athlete possesses a name with unavoidable semblance to that of Serena Williams, the eight-time Grand Slam women's tennis champion.