Fresno State Athletics
Woodward Honored in Final Home Game
11/15/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
Nov. 15, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - Bill Woodward has been calling Bulldog athletic events for 37 years.
And Fresno State made sure to give Woodward win as he called his final home game at Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs bested New Mexico State 24-17 in the final home game of the 2008 season.
"It goes by so fast," said Woodward. "The 37 years were great."
Amidst the other celebrations at Bulldog Stadium Saturday, including Senior Day and Band Day, Fresno State fans set aside time to honor the "Voice of the Bulldogs" before the game got underway.
Director of Athletics, Thomas Boeh, former head football coach Jim Sweeney, and current men's basketball coach Steve Cleveland, gathered at midfield to honor Woodward before the game.
The trio presented the longtime sportscaster with an autographed College World Series framed commemorative poster, a No. 37 football jersey (for the years Woodward spent at the microphone for the Bulldogs), and a special plaque after the coin toss.
"It's exciting," said Woodward. "It's something that takes awhile to sink in, but it hasn't yet."
Woodward's career with the Bulldogs goes back to the days prior to Bulldog Stadium.
"When I started we were going up the steps at Ratcliffe and now we are at this beautiful stadium," he said. "I can remember the first game we played here when there was a rabbit running around the field petrified."
Although Woodward's 37 years will never be forgotten, to ensure his undeniable stamp on Bulldog athletics, Fresno State named the radio booth the "Bill Woodward Booth" in his honor.
"Bill Woodward has been synonymous with Fresno State athletics for nearly 40 years," said football coach Pat Hill. "His voice brought home so many great Bulldogs memories to fans. We are proud of Bill. He's the consummate Bulldog."
Cleveland agreed.
"The main thing about Bill is that he has so much passion for the program," the men's basketball coach. "He was more than a play-by-play guy or radio personality. He truly cared about the young men in our program. He cared as much as the coaches. It's been great working with Bill through the years. I've known him a long time and we have many great memories together."
Woodward will call the Bulldogs' remaining road games against San Jose State and Boise State. He will also call any postseason bowl action, as the Bulldogs are now bowl eligible.
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