Fresno State Athletics
Men's Soccer in the Community
4/20/2001 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
The men's soccer team is known for its rich tradition with community involvement. Whether it be through free camps, clinics, speaking engagements or appearances, the Bulldogs infuse the community with their talents and support. In turn the community supports the men's soccer program by attending the matches throughout the season. In the year 2000, the `Dogs finished with a remarkable 16, 987 total fans in attendance for the nine regular season matches and one exhibition match in Bulldog Stadium. The nine-match total placed them in the No. 5 rank in the NCAA attendance records for the 2000 season.
Community involvement is a year-round effort for the men's soccer program and it is also a priority. This past season was an exceptional representation of their efforts. The `Dogs hosted 11 pre-match clinics for area soccer clubs and teams. In addition, two days were designated for the two major soccer groups in the area. On Oct. 1, the team hosted the Clovis Junior Soccer League (CJSL) Day, which set out to determine the best tailgate prior to the match. Later, the team hosted District VII Day on Nov. 5. A special event was held at Pete Beiden Field on Nov. 3, featuring head coach Dave Chesler, several players, head football coach Pat Hill and Chican studies professor Figuero-Unda. Students from Ripperdan Elementary attended the engagement that focused on the importance of literacy.
It is well known that the team is not limited to hosting special events, they also travel to different areas surrounding Fresno. Even with the team's practice and match schedule, they always squeeze in time to venture out into the community. On Sept. 30, the men traveled to Lemoore for a demonstration and autograph session at the new SOC-COM soccer complex. They also interacted with the T.O.P.S., which is a soccer program for the mentally and physically challenged. The team spent time demonstrating and teaching various skills used when playing soccer.
In the month of October the team visited Ripperdan Elementary for "Reader's Day." There the coaches and players read to the classes and discussed the importance of reading. The following week on Oct. 21, the team held an official practice and demonstration for the United Cerebral Palsy/McValley Cup at Buchanan High School in Clovis.
In November the team visited another soccer facility known as the Madera Soccer Complex, where they again held a demonstration and provided autographs. In the spring of 2001, the Bulldogs continued providing teaching sessions for soccer and Bulldog fans alike by hosting numerous camps and clinics for youth and coaches. One of these special events included the 3rd Annual Central Valley Soccer Coaches Symposium held from March 2 through March 3.
Bulldog soccer prides itself on its continual support of the community. As the `Dogs head out into the city and the surrounding area, the citizen's respect for Fresno State athletics and men's soccer continues to grow. This is demonstrated the thousands of fans seen in the stands at Bulldog Stadium.
