Fresno State Athletics
Homecoming Activities in Full Gear
10/18/2007 12:00:00 AM | General
Oct. 18, 2007
FRESNO, Calif. - The 2007 Fresno State homecoming week is halfway over, but the activities have just begun. Homecoming officially kicked off Monday in front of the Kennel Bookstore. Students have participated in events all week on campus such as a jalapeño pepper-eating contest, mini-bike races and the Annual Greek Step Sing Show.
Tuesday, the Bulldogs hit the floor for a non-conference volleyball match at the Save Mart Center against Cal State Bakersfield. Hundreds of students showed up to make it the largest attended Fresno State volleyball match of 2007 with 1,402 fans.
The Fresno State Baseball Annual Wall of Fame Dinner will honor former baseball greats Galen Bowman (Outfielder, 1948-50), Mark Hance (Infielder 1973), Gene Graves (Pitcher, 1961), and the 1961 Bulldog team (38-9 No. 2 Ranking) on October 18. The ceremony will be held at Pardini's, 2257 W. Shaw Ave., in Fresno, Calif., starting at 6:30 p.m.
The Top Dog Alumni awards will be presented at the Top Dog Alumni Awards Gala at 5 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Save Mart Center on campus. The gala is part of the Homecoming Weekend activities.
This year's 2007 Distinguished Alumnus recipient is Larry Dickenson, a 1965 graduate of Fresno State. Each year, the Top Dog Awards honor alumni from Fresno State's various schools, colleges and divisions for their accomplishments after leaving the university and for their participation in alumni affairs. This year's outstanding honorees are: Rod Kraft, Ernest A. Bedrosian, Krikor Y. Bedrosian, J. Kenneth Bedrosian Dennis Woods, John E. Horstmann, James Finley, Larry Powell, Charles "Frank" Markarian, Dr. Bette Rusk Keltner, Dr. Marlene Dong Wong, Dr. Joan Otomo-Corgel, Steve Magarian, Gerald Tahajian, Arthur Safstrom.
Friday is the opening soccer game of homecoming weekend as the Bulldogs host Louisiana Tech in Western Athletic Conference play at 3 p.m. in Bulldog Stadium.
Following the soccer game, Fresno State will hold a Homecoming Pep Rally from 5-7 p.m. at the Bulldog Boulevard location in the Red Lot. The Red Lot is located just to the east of Bulldog Stadium.
The marching band and spirit squad will perform and student-athletes will be recognized. Bulldog Boulevard will be open with games for kids and free food and drinks are available.
Four contests such as the best dressed Bulldog fan, best cheer, best banner and best end zone dance will award prizes to the top finishers. Head coach Pat Hill will address the rally at approximately 6:30 p.m. The pep rally is free and open to the public.
Saturday's activities begin at 10 a.m. in Bulldog Boulevard, where there are family-friendly attractions and activities, food and live music until 30 minutes before kickoff. Admission is free.
The Rock-and-Roll Hall of Fame Platters will be performing in Bulldog Boulevard at approximately 12 p.m. The group has recorded more than 400 songs and sold more than 100 million copies since they began in 1953.
The Fresno State Alumni Association's Homecoming Tailgate Barbecue, which begins at 10 a.m. near Beiden Field, will welcome former students. Appearances by the Fresno State Marching Band, Timeout and Fresno State spirit squad and food and beverages will be part of the fun.
Saturday morning leads up to the homecoming football game at Bulldog Stadium. Fresno State will host arch rival San Jose State at 2 p.m. The Bulldogs are second behind Hawai'i in the Western Athletic Conference Standings at 3-0 and the Spartans are in fourth place at 2-1.
Fresno State student-athletes will be recognized on the field before the game and the Top Dog award winners will be honored at halftime.
As a giveaway, 20,000 thunder stix provided by Table Mountain will add to the homecoming atmosphere at Bulldog Stadium. Tickets are still available by calling 278-DOGS, at www.gobulldogs.com, or by visiting the Fresno State Athletic ticket office. Ticket office hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and they open at 8 a.m. on game day.
The Bulldog Shop is hosting a Homecoming week sale where all Fresno State Alumni receive 20% off their purchase. The shop will be open at 9 a.m. on game day.
Women's soccer will conclude homecoming week hosting Utah State at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Those who have a ticket stub from Saturday's football game will be admitted at no charge.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - Fresno State Football returns home on Saturday, October 20th on Homecoming as the Bulldogs take on San Jose State at 2 p.m. For tickets, go to the ticket page at www.gobulldogs.com, call 559-278-DOGS or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
