Dogs to Be Honored by Fresno Mayor Alan Autry
1/24/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Jan. 24, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - After an impressive football season, in which the Bulldogs won nine games and defeated ACC powerhouse Georgia Tech in the Roady's Humanitarian Bowl, the Fresno State football team and head coach Pat Hill have been invited to City Hall on January 30 to be honored by Mayor Alan Autry and other city officials.
In what will be the first-ever Valley-wide pep rally held at City Hall, the Dogs will be greeted on the steps of City Hall between Noon and 2 p.m.
"We are certainly honored to receive this invitation from Mayor Autry," said head coach Pat Hill. "The Mayor has been a tremendous supporter of the University and our football program. He's done a lot to bring national attention to our Valley and I think our football has done that as well. We love representing the great people of Fresno and the Valley and look forward to coming to City Hall."
The Bulldog Spirit Squad, Fresno State Band and mascot Timeout will perform.
Mayor Autry and Council President Blong Xiong will present a city proclamation to the team.
The public is invited and refreshments will be served. The Bulldog student-athletes and coaches will be available for photographs and to sign autographs.
KMJ, the radio home of the Bulldogs, will broadcast the Ray Appleton Show live from City Hall that day.
After such a strong season, in which the Dogs appeared in their eighth bowl game in the last nine seasons, the future of the program is promising. Heading into the 2008 season, Fresno State has already been projected as a preseason Top 25 team by CBSSportsline.com and ESPN.com.
The Bulldogs return 17 starters, including eight outstanding offensive players, next season. Leading the way will be quarterback Tom Brandstater, who was selected the MVP of the Humanitarian Bowl. Also returning will be All-WAC tight end Bear Pascoe, exciting receivers Marlon Moore and Chastin West, and record-setting running back Ryan Mathews. The Bulldogs return four starting offensive linemen for the 2008 season.
The Bulldog defense will again be tough, with Jon Monga, Ben Jacobs, Moses Harris, Damion Owens and Marvin Haynes among the returning starting players.
Public season tickets for the 2008 season are already available. The Dogs will host four WAC games, plus Big 10 power Wisconsin in the upcoming season. The Badgers have been projected as a Top 15 program for the 2008 season and will be the first Big 10 team to play in Bulldog Stadium.
Contact the Bulldog Ticket Office (559) 278-DOGS or click the tickets icon at the top of this page for more information.
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The Bulldog men's basketball will return home to the Save Mart Center on Saturday, January 26 in a rematch against San Jose State at 7 p.m. Be there as we also honor the 2007 Fresno State football team, winners of the 2007 Roady's Humanitarian Bowl at halftime. Tickets can be purchased online at ticketmaster.com, by phone at (559)485-TIXS, or in person at the Save Mart Center box office.
