Fresno State Athletics
Ready for Action
8/6/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 6, 2009
FRESNO, Calif. - Excitement was in the air, partly because football players were starting their season. Also because of unseasonable cool temperatures that greeted the player when they arrived at the Fresno State practice facility Thursday morning.
It was 67 degrees under partly cloudy skies at the start of practice, the first of the fall training camp, cool considering the Dogs have experienced 105 degrees for opening practices in recent years.
The Dogs took the field at 9 a.m. with the newcomers getting their introduction to the "Bulldog Way".
The coaching staff took the rookies through drills and began the teaching process. Among those who drew some attention was talented running back Robbie Rouse, who despite his lack of height, showed the quickness and agility that produced nearly 2,400 rushing yards and 39 touchdowns last season at San Diego's Madison High School.
The veterans reported to the practice field at 10:20 a.m. and quickly worked with the newcomers on special teams drills. The rookies were released at 11:40 a.m. and immediately went to the Richiutti Strength and Conditioning center where strength coach Andy Bennett took them through a weight training session to teach specific lifting techniques.
The veterans spent the next 90 minutes working on fundamentals and putting in the basic offense and defense formations.
"Today was a good day," said Hill, not concerned with the weather. "It was great to have the guys back on the field and be able to work with them. We haven't been able to do that since April. There was great enthusiasm out there today and it was a good teaching day. A good day all around."
Hill welcomed the cool temperatures, admitting the standard August temperatures are expected to return as early as the weekend. "It will be hot soon enough."
The day was not over after practice, however. The Dogs spent the rest of the day attending meetings, and orientation for newcomers, and given a seminar of how to deal with the media. Fresno State will hold its annual media day on Friday.
The meetings last until approximately 9:30 p.m. The Dogs will start again Friday morning with a similar schedule that begins with a team breakfast at 7 a.m.
"We are in for some long days," said Hill. "But that's all part of it. We have a lot of information to cover and a lot to get in from a football standpoint. September 5 will be here soon."
The Dogs will hold their first practice of full contact on Monday and the first two-a-day session is scheduled for Tuesday, August 11. The Dogs will continue with their fall camp through August 22. Fresno State's fall semester classes begin August 24.
Fans are welcome to attend practice sessions through the August 15 scrimmage in Bulldog Stadium. After that date, all practice sessions will be closed. Fans are asked to remain on the hillside that surrounds the practice facility and no video cameras, including cell phones with video capacity, are permitted. Fresno State asks that fans not post video practice highlights on the internet, as it could help opponents prepare when they play the Bulldogs.
The 2009 Fresno State football roster is expected to finalized Thursday evening and will be available on gobulldogs.com on Friday.
FRESNO STATE FACT: The Bulldog have 73 wins this decade, tied for 19th-most of any school in the nation. Here are some notable schools that don't have as many wins as the Dogs this decade: Alabama (65); Arizona State (61); Cal (63); Clemson (70); Georgia Tech (69); Iowa (69); Michigan State (53); Missouri (62); Notre Dame (64); Oregon State (72); Penn State (66); UCLA (60); Virginia (64). Fresno State has accomplished this by playing one of the most aggressive non-conference schedules of any program in the nation.
"We Are Your Team" - The `Dogs will be starting their 2009 Football season off right with Football Fiesta Night on Saturday, September 5th at 7pm when the UC Davis Aggies come to town. Football Fiesta Family Pack tickets are available now - the package includes four game tickets, a gift coupon to the Bulldog Shop, and a $4 drink and hotdog special. To inquire about the Football Fiesta Family Pack, contact the Bulldog Ticket Office at 559-278-DOGS.
