Fresno State Athletics
Fresno State-New Mexico Postgame Quotes
Kalen DeBoer, Fresno State head coach
On tonight’s performance and senior day…
“What a difference a week makes, huh? It feels good to be sitting here seeing these guys talking about the game and the excitement they have. I'm just proud of the seniors… they’re a special group. I loved the energy, I loved the vibe I was getting, especially the second half of the week from Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. I thought our pregame vibe and the excitement were special. Probably the only thing I was concerned about was the emotions I saw from the seniors when they were getting introduced and coming down the ramp. I could see how important this place is to them. I know that’s the type of guys we have on this football team. There were a lot more tears shed than I even imagined. It felt like once they kicked off the ball they were able to put that to the side and play football the way they know how to do. I am super proud of these guys and the way they played tonight.”
Ronnie Rivers, Sr., RB
On breaking records to start and end the season and getting the win on Senior Night…
“It’s an amazing feeling, just being able to share that with the teammates I have out there. Of course, none of this is possible without them. So just being able to share this moment with my teammates, my family and everybody that came to support us. It’s a great feeling.”
On his legacy at Fresno State…
“I think I’ve made my mark coming here. I didn’t want to live in my dad’s shadow, so just being able to create a name for myself is something I took pride in. Of course I think I could have done a little bit more than I’ve done so far. I'm just keep striving to be better.”
“I had that one planned out just. That celebration was to thank all the fans. Everybody that has shown me so much support these past five years, it was to give back to them and show them I appreciate them.”
Kevin Atkins, Sr., DT
On his senior day experience…
“it’s a bittersweet journey. I know football’s not over for me, and I know this season’s not over. We’ve still got steps to take but after our last game, whenever that may be, I will never play another game in this stadium, so you know that kind of broke my heart to know I won’t have another game here. This is really a special place. When you first get here, and they tell you that you don’t believe it until you actually play here. I think that just knowing that that comes to an end really broke my heart.”
On his pregame message to the team…
“I told them - I love you, boys. This isn’t the last game we’re going to play but this is the last game we are going to play together in this stadium, and I just want everyone to go out there and give it their all. I don’t want you to worry about playing for the seniors. Although this is senior day, don’t play for the seniors, play or the guy next to you because at the end of the day we are still fighting to get into that championship game.”
Alex Akingbulu, Sr., OL
About making his mark as a Bulldog...
“My journey here has just been remarkable. Coming into an organization that believes in me, trusts in me, and lets me be who I am. All I can do is thank everybody. Red Wave, coaches and the players who welcomed me with open arms. I couldn’t have asked for a better situation. The coaches push me every single day, from the first year I got here to be where I am. I am just grateful for the opportunity.”
About his impact on the program...
“Honestly, just try to be a role model for the younger guys. I wanted to leave that legacy. Obviously, to be a role model on the field, but also let the younger guys know education matters as well. It’s important to me to have that balance of good education and playing good on the field. I feel like that is something I try to pride myself on, and just want that to be instilled in the younger o-line. I try to preach that to them every day as well.”
About how he felt after the win...
“ I tried not to cry. Then I looked to my right and looked to my left, all the other seniors were crying. So I was like okay, it might be good to cry. Just seeing my mom there and how proud she is and seeing the crowd for the last time. Wow. I just took everything in. I don't know if I'll ever necessarily feel that again. Especially at home with the crowd cheering you on. I just took everything in. Having the opportunity to say hi to all the fans is something I am going to hold dear to my heart.”
About what “YDN” means...
“YDN” stands for Young Determined Nigerians. It is a group my friends and I from home made together. We also do music but it's more of an organization. There are a lot of Nigerians where I am from in LA, and even across the globe. Especially in sports and in other organizations as well. Just trying to get as many Nigerians into the culture as we can do this too. Our parents have this mindset of us being doctors and lawyers, but if we can get the same push to be athletes as well that’s a place we can dominate.”
About how big was this game after the recent loss...
“It was very big. Obviously, there were a lot of things that played into the game. We knew even if it wasn't senior night, we had to come out and give it our all. The main thing is, we just remembered how that locker room was last year, losing to this team, and we didn't want that to happen again. The practices that we had this week, led us to believe that we were going to have a great week.. We just want to do everything in our power to go to that next level.”
About what it has been like blocking for Ronnie Rivers...
“Since I came here, he is just someone that you gravitate toward. He is one of the first people you see on the field. He’s a great running back, fast, quick, everything you need in a running back. He makes you look good as well. He is also a leader and funny. There is nothing bad you can say about Ronnie. Organizations are blessed to have talent like that. For him to be here, when he necessarily did not have to. He came back for us, the team and to just lay it all on the line for a chance to win a ring is just something we thank him for. I am just glad to be a part of that journey and a part of that history.”