Fresno State Athletics
Scott Thompson
6/21/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
FRESNO, Calif. -Confidence doesn't come about overnight. Senior tight end Scott Thompson can vouch for that.
Just two years ago, Thompson was in dire search for his confidence as he began his junior year at Fresno State. It wasn't until last year's overtime game against Oregon that he finally began to gain the confidence that now dictates his play.
"I was struggling at the beginning of last year," said Thompson. "I had a rough training camp and a rough spring start. I was being challenged mentally until, finally, I started playing good football."
In that game against Oregon, Thompson was part of key drives that led Fresno State to tie the game as they went into overtime. He caught 10 passes for 70 yards - __ of which led to critical first down conversions. It was a ___-opening game for Thompson - one that he recalls vividly.
"I was in a zone," Thompson. "I was in a place where everything felt good. I finally had the confidence that I had been looking for."
Thompson attributes his gains in confidence to not only his own skills, but also to those that have surrounded him throughout his life.
Thompson's family has been an important part in his development. He is one of three brothers who have played tight end in collegiate football and both brothers have had an influence over him. His oldest brother, Marty, was a standout at Fresno State during 1989-92 at the height of Fresno State's reign. And his other older brother, Craig, played at Stanford during 1990-1993.
Thompson's parents have been there for all of them.
"My parents are awesome," said Thompson. "When I was at Mammoth High, my parents would go to my game on Friday nights. On Saturday, they would travel to Palo Alto for Craig's afternoon game at Stanford, and then afterwards, they would travel to Fresno for Marty's evening games at Fresno State. They were always there."
Thompson also has been helped tremendously by associate head coach John Baxter who coaches tight ends and special teams.
Thompson said, "Coach Baxter has been the best thing to happen to me here at Fresno State. He has helped me on and off the field. He's helped my confidence and has given me a new outlook on life."
And for Baxter, helping players is all that matters.
"The reason why I coach is to be an important person in people's lives," said Baxter. "If your relationship with your players is strictly football, then there is no reason to coach. Scott and I have a relationship based on trust and that's what makes a good deal between player and coach."
