A Look Ahead

Football: Still struggling to find a niche, the ambitious program seeks respectability in Division I-AA and more community backing. The program last year took heavy hits by detractors who questioned its cost after the university, strapped for cash, dropped four men's teams. The school is committed to football and plans to build a stadium.

Baseball: Still rising from the ashes created by the administration's temporarily cutting baseball and three other men's programs in June 1997. The programs were reinstated and the baseball team did remarkably well last season. With a little administrative support, the Matadors again could become a national force.

Softball: A marquee women's program that will soon play in a planned 1,500-seat stadium at a cost of about $1.8 million. Traditionally strong, the Matadors should attract more high-caliber players because of their new facility and should continue to compete successfully in Division I.

Men's basketball: Much was expected of the program the past two seasons, but the final product was disappointing. The process of turning the Matadors into a legitimate Division I program is Coach Bobby Braswell's considerable task. With his leadership, and a few blue-chip recruits, CSUN is poised for a bright future.