In summer 2024, Fresno State athletics and Tioga-Sequoia Brewing Company announced the creation of Red Wave Light Lager, the officially licensed craft beer of Fresno State. While the project spanned three years, its completion fulfilled a decades-long dream for Tioga-Sequoia’s president and Fresno State alumnus Michael Cruz.

During his time as a business administration marketing student in the Craig School of Business at Fresno State, Cruz interned for a local distributor who was working with Tioga-Sequoia’s ownership group to bring the brand to market. After graduation, he forged his own path at the company, taking on various roles and special projects, but none more meaningful than collaborating with his alma mater on the Red Wave Light Lager. 

The locally crafted beer is named in honor of the university's dedicated fan base, representing the Bulldog Spirit and passion that permeates throughout the Central Valley and the beloved hometown team that unites the community. 

For Cruz and the entire brewery staff, many of whom are also Fresno State alumni, this project has been a labor of love and a testament to their deeply-rooted community pride, truly making Red Wave Light Lager "Bulldog Born. Bulldog Brewed."