Fresno State Athletics
Back-To-School Bulldogs
8/22/2005 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 22, 2005
Fresno, Calif. - As Fresno State opens the 2005 school year today, the thoughts of Bulldog student-athletes must now switch from a pure focus on football to balancing the demands of a Top 25 program with those of homework, exams, and classes. The Bulldog coaching staff and players use many different techniques to prepare the Bulldog football team for success in the classroom as they get set for the season opener against Weber State on Sept. 10.
A switch in the practice schedule is the first of many changes for the Bulldogs entering the school year. Through training camp, the football team has used extended practices and work out sessions to prepare for the season, and now must adapt to the added pressure of classes now that the school year has begun. Practice for the team now moves to 3:30 in the afternoon so that the players can schedule a full class load through the mornings.
A dedication to a complete schedule provided by the coaching staff makes for a smooth transition for most of the players however. "We'll do pretty much the same thing we've been doing," said junior Wendell Mathis. "We have a schedule for pretty much everything that we do, whether it's practice, weights, or study time." That schedule, while it changes by what the team has to do each day, provides a guideline that Bulldog student-athletes gladly follow.
"The toughest thing to do is to try and keep a balance," said senior Dwayne Wright. "After practice, whether it's time to eat, work out, or study, we know what if we dedicate ourselves to that, we'll have plenty of time to get all that we need done. Following the schedule is great for that."
Other facilities help the students balance their class load with the demands of competing in a sport, including the new Ricchiuti Academic Center, which houses study tables and tutorial labs along with 40 computers for student-athletes to use. The student-athlete services staff is also there to provide assistance for any athlete that wants some extra help in their studies.
In the end, the biggest change for the players is just the end of the summer. "In a sense, it's a relief to get back to school," said senior Bryson Sumlin. "After being around each other for so much time through training camp, even though these guys are great, it'll be nice to see some new faces. It'll be good to get back to the routine of going to class along with regular practices too."
