University secures $5m for project

Formation of fund-raising source, facility improvements keep Hill with Valley

By Eddie Hughes

Fresno State made a commitment to improve football facilities, and coach Pat Hill committed to remaining at the university.

Construction will begin on a new academic center and football locker room in February 2004, Athletic Director Scott Johnson announced Friday at a news conference outside the athletics strength and conditioning building as Hill announced he will not pursue other possible job opportunities.

Johnson said $5 million has been secured for the project through private gifts and the university budget.

University officials also announced the formation of a new fund-raising organization—the Green V Association. This group will target large donations stretching from Bakersfield to Sacramento as well as donations from national corporations. Its goal is to provide enhancements for Fresno State football and seek additional operating support for all sports over the next three years.

The Duncan Building expansion and addition of the academic center are expected to be completed Oct. 1, Johnson said.

University President John Welty, Johnson, Hill and Green V Association Chairman Michael Kelton all spoke at the press conference.

Johnson said Friday’s announcements were the most dramatic step the athletic department has taken since the formation of the Bulldog Foundation more than 50 years ago.

“ We are gonna grow like crazy with this thing,” Hill said.

With Friday’s announcements, Hill withdrew himself from consideration as the next head football coach at the University of Arizona. Hill said he turned down an interview opportunity with the Pacific-10 Conference team.

“ My choice is to stay at Fresno State and see this job out here,” Hill said.

The university will hire an associate athletic director for development who will coordinate the university’s fund-raising efforts and serve as executive director of the Green V Association.

The Green V Association will absorb many of the Quarterback Club’s duties, according to Johnson. The Quarterback Club will revert to organizing the small-scale fund-raisers like barbecues and golf tournaments.

The Bulldog Foundation will continue to be the primary fund-raising source for scholarships and recruiting.

Hill said before the season that coaching Fresno State is a career-type job for him if he sees improvement in facilities.

Expansion of the Duncan Building will include team meeting rooms, offices and the new locker room.

Fresno State football opponents have voiced displeasure in the past about having to dress in a baseball locker room at Beiden Field.

The new academic center will be added on to the strength and conditioning building.

Johnson said forming the Green V Foundation is also a step toward expansion of Bulldog Stadium. Hill said before the season he would like to see the 41,031-seat stadium expanded to 60,000 seats.