Pat Hill: Fresno State Bulldogs Football Coach Talks New Field and Fall Camp

Paying the Bills

Fresno State football coach Pat Hill stood in the hot sun near the south end zone at Bulldog Stadium with what seemed like a sense of pride and anticipation concerning the new field turf.

“Our field is about one day out,” said Hill. “We hope to be on it maybe even tomorrow night and Saturday for sure.”

Hill talked about the birth of the fundraising for the turf, mentioning that it all started last year in Visalia, California during the bye week with the South Valley Field of Dreams fundraiser. That dinner raised over $100,000 for the night.

Former ex Bulldog Logan Mankins, currently with the NFL’s New England Patriots, played a big part in bringing the new field to Fresno.

“Logan was a very large contributor, and he’s very excited about being able to help us.” said Hill.

To show appreciation for what Mankins did, in big black letters on the southwest sideline it reads, "The Mankins Family ."That will be on there for ten years," said Hill when asked if the thank you to Mankins would be on the field for the whole season. "That will be on there for the life of this turf," Hill added. 

Quinn Caterpillar of Selma, California will hold the second annual Field of Dreams on Sunday August 28 at 5:00 P.M. The slogan for the event is, “It’s fourth and goal; let's get 'er done.”

Last year's event featured people mostly from the South Valley, but Hill wants this to change. “We need our fans from Fresno to come join.” said Hill.

Field of Dreams Fundraiser $250.00 per couple, call for reservations at 559-278-4112

Notes From Fall Camp

This Saturday the Bulldogs scrimmage for the second time, and Coach Hill is ready for his team to slow things down.

“We have a few last things we want to scrimmage before we really slow down on the full speed contact; we’ve had a lot of contact this spring. We have had a great spring.” said Hill.

Today, Coach gave the guys the day off, and they will head to the water park.

Back in Business

The Bulldogs have been bit by the injury bug this fall, but this situation should be resolved by Saturday’s scrimmage.

"Everyone is back practicing, and Saturday night, we should have a full team and ready to roll,” Hill said.

Last Saturday’s scrimmage was a big night for the receivers, and only a handful of them were on the field. This won’t be the case for Saturday's scrimmage, as Hill says he will have all eight receivers back.

Hill Big on Young Offensive Line

A big part of quarterback Derek Carr’s success in 2011 will depend on his young offensive line. Coach Hill is pleased with their effort so far.

“We are getting better every day at the protection part of it,” said Hill. "Throughout the season, we will get stronger as it goes on; there is a lot of responsibility on their shoulders.”

As the press conference was winding down, one of the media members asked, “you about ready to go?” I’m not sure if this guy was talking about the media session or the season, but the way Pat Hill answered might point towards the latter.

“Yeah I’m ready to roll,” Hill said with enthusiasm.

Quotes for this article were taking from Fresno State head coach Pat Hill's press conference at Bulldog Stadium on 8/18/2011