Fresno State Athletics
Through a Bulldog's Eyes, Day 3
12/17/2008 12:00:00 AM | Football
Dec. 19, 2008
Day 1 Photos Day 2 Photos Day 3 Photos
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -
Day 3 - Decmeber 19, 2008
Today was our final day of activities before the New Mexico Bowl. We went to the Sandia Resort for lunch with Colorado State and other dignitaries for the Kickoff Luncheon. I think I speak for the entire team when I say that we are tired of hanging out with the other team and are anxious to get this game going.
After lunch we took our team picture and had our last team walk-through, where we went over different plays we will use. The final activity for us, outside the hotel before the game tomorrow, was a pep rally in the tailgating area near University Stadium. Our band represented us well in the quick gathering of fans.
When we got back to the hotel, there was an alumni pep rally where the band played and several speeches took center stage. I watched from a distance with my wife. Later, during one of our short breaks this evening, I made my way into the game, leaving the ping pong table undefeated (which is not surprising).
Tonight we had our last meeting, the Special Teams meeting conducted by Coach Baxter. Now it's time to get some sleep so we can wake up ready to win another bowl game.
The last couple days have been extremely exhausting and our team is excited to be finished with the festivities so we can start hitting the rams. Being able to spend my last game with my friends and my wife has been an experience I will never forget.
Day 2 - December 18, 2008
Today was our final practice for the 2008 season and the final practice of my football career. Along with practice, we also had two different offensive and defensive meetings to discuss Colorado State's different tendencies.
For dinner this evening, we joined Colorado State at the Santa Ana Star Casino for a buffet dinner. Entertainment for the evening revolved around members of each team getting hypnotized (which was very entertaining). Our redshirt freshmen went up and participated in things like laughing, dancing and speaking other languages, but I personally think some of it was an act.
After the show, both teams went to a bowling alley in the casino and bowled for a bit. After some fun, each team chose five members to compete in a one game bowl-off. I joined Kenny Avon, Trevor Ricter, Robert Malone, and Will Harding in representing Fresno State. As you might expect, the Bulldogs won with a score of 130, and the winners were awarded DVD players.
With the game won, and the last frame to go, we chose to rub in the victory by throwing gutter balls to have fun. With meetings, practice, and the different festivities that we were involved with, I am extremely tired and will enjoy a long night sleep to help prepare for another long day tomorrow. After two days in New Mexico, I am ready to get this game going and get another bowl win for the Bulldogs.
Day 1 - December 17, 2008
This morning, we left the Duncan Building at 8 a.m., heading to the airport for the New Mexico Bowl. On the takeoff, we flew through a blanket of fog into clear skies with snow on the mountains. Once we landed, we headed straight to the University of New Mexico's indoor practice facility.
After a crisp practice the team, along with family and boosters, went to dinner at El Pinto, a Mexican restaurant, where a few members of each team had a "cook-off." Of course, the Bulldogs were victorious.
This is a special trip for me because my wife was able to join me. The two of us left our eight-month-old daughter at home with both of her grandparents so I can concentrate on the game and Kristen and I get to enjoy the various bowl activities.
Along with having my wife here on the trip, this is also a special game because it will be my final football game as a Bulldog. I graduated from Fresno State this week with a bachelor of arts in communications and will be starting a career outside of football soon.
With day one of travel and acclimating to the different weather, altitude, and time, it's time to go enjoy some free time in the beautiful mountains of New Mexico.
-Jake Jorde, #23
Join the State - Fresno State! The Bulldog football team will head to Albuquerque, N.M. to take on Colorado State in the third New Mexico Bowl. The Bulldogs are playing in a postseason bowl game for the ninth time in 10 seasons. For ticket information for the New Mexico bowl click on the tickets link at the top of this page.
