Fresno State Athletics
Athletic Equipment Manager is Working Double Time
8/26/2008 12:00:00 AM | General
Aug. 26, 2008
FRESNO, Calif. - As the football team sweats through drills and training in triple digit weather preparing for a highly anticipated season, equipment manager Mark Younger is working hard behind the scenes.
As equipment manager for Fresno State athletic teams, Younger is working around the clock to keep the 'Dogs dressed to a tee and training with the best athletic equipment available.
A typical day for Younger during football season begins at 6:45 a.m., 30 minutes before football players take the practice field. He prepares the field stocking blocking sleds, achiles and step overs (tools used to strengthen athletes running), and ensures that every player has the attire needed for practice so that they can focus only on practice.
"Wherever there are safety concerns for athletes, I am there," said Younger. "I make a lot of adjustments, roughly 15-20 for the first practice."
Younger is at work until 10 p.m. at night during football season, with responsibilities that include all laundering of athlete's uniforms and practice apparel, all equipment ordering from tennis racquets to equestrian saddles and workout apparel for the cheerleading team. He spends up to 6 and 1/2 hours a day laundering practice attire for approximately 100 players during twice a day during two-a-days.
"You have to be sure and wash the clothes at just the right water temperature," said Younger. "Athletes always need towels, and everyone is provided those." Younger has developed a routine flow for all ordering and supply of equipment and apparel for Fresno State athletes. He is also the liaison negotiator for the department's contract with Nike.
"I have been doing this job for 26 years and I've been at Fresno State for 17," said Younger. "You have to be sensitive to all athletes' needs and an understanding of extremely high expectations. You won't always be in the fore front, but I like it that people count on me."
When on the road, the football team depends on Younger to truck all practice equipment, uniforms and necessary items up to thousands of miles to WAC opponents, and this year, as far away as New Jersey.
"The road is a little more demanding," said Younger. "The key is to be organized and even tempered. We want athletes to feel at home when they are on the road." Although Younger is not always on the front line, he has a solid sense of pride and commitment to his position and enjoys the interactions.
"When athletes see what you do and the service, they gain a new level of respect," said Younger. "It is fantastic to create new opportunities for men and women, and offer a wide variety of sports. It makes the athletic department and this university all the better."
"Join the State - Fresno State!" - The first Big Ten team will travel to the Valley on September 13th as the No. 25 `Dogs take on Wisconsin in the home opener at 7:30 pm. The game can be seen nationally on ESPN2. All tickets are on sale now. In the month of August, get your official Wisconsin game day t-shirt at the Bulldog Shop for only $10 with any purchase. To purchase tickets, click on the tickets icon at the top of this page, call the Bulldog Ticket Office at (559) 278-DOGS, or stop by the Bulldog Ticket Office.
