Fresno State Athletics
Bulldogs Intense on the Practice Field
8/13/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2004
Fresno - As the Bulldogs prepare to close out the first week of fall training camp, head coach Pat Hill couldn't be happier with the team's progress. The Bulldogs began practice on Monday and will have their first two-a-day session on Saturday. The team's first scrimmage is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday. The scrimmage will be held in Bulldog Stadium and is open to the public. "Our only concern during the camp has been the heat," said Hill, speaking of the 100-plus degree temperatures that hit the Valley this week. "We have to take extra care to make sure the players are getting plenty of fluids and adjusted the schedule to avoid the hottest times of the day. Overall, it hasn't been that big of a problem because we've managed it well." Friday's session was the first full-contact practice of fall camp. "I'm very pleased that the players are working extremely hard," said Hill. "We have seen good leadership, which makes the practices more intense and more productive. This has been one of the most intense camps we've seen. We have a lot of good players fighting for starting spots and playing time. It's a very healthy situation." The Bulldogs return 19 starters, including nine on offense. The offense will be in the hands of junior quarterback Paul Pinegar, who is coming off an injury-riddled season. Pinegar, who has thrown for over 4,700 yards and 31 touchdowns in his first two seasons as a Bulldog, has impressed Hill during the first week. "Paul has looked as good as I've ever seen him," Hill said. "He has a great command of the offense and physically, he's in the best shape of his life. His arm strength and accuracy are excellent. I'm looking for a big year from Paul." Hill has also been pleased with the defensive backfield, which is led by junior All-WAC safety James Sanders, one of three starters returning to the secondary. "As a group, they have a great attitude and play the game the way it should be played," Hill said. "They are fast and physical and playing with a lot of confidence right now. We have the best depth and more quality players in the secondary than we've had since I've been here." The season opens Sept. 5 at Washington, in a game that will be nationally televised on Fox Sports Net. The home opener is Sept. 18 vs. Portland State. Season tickets for the 2004 season are still available. There are still good seats available in both Family Value Plans, which range from $ 325 to $ 250 for a family of four. For information on Red Seats contact the Personal Seat License office at (559) 244-2990 or for Bulldog Foundation seating information, contact the BDF office at (559) 248-2340. A special $ 99 reduced price season ticket is available to the general public through the month of August. Tickets can be ordered by calling the Athletic Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS or online at www.gobulldogs.com.
