Fresno State’s 2014 Homecoming celebration reaches a fever pitch the next two days starting with the Bulldog Country Homecoming Pep Rally from 5:30-8:30 p.m. today (Nov. 7) in the Red Lot of Bulldog Stadium (Cedar and Barstow avenues).

The rally features appearances by student athletes and coaches from the football, basketball, volleyball and equestrian teams.

Football coach Tim DeRuyter will introduce the football team at 7 p.m. on the eve of the team’s Valley Trophy showdown with the San Jose State Spartans Saturday night.

Members of the Bulldogs Alumni Football Team will also attend the free, public event. The Homecoming Court of Distinction winner will be announced.

The pep rally schedule is as follows:

  • 5:30-6 p.m. – Background music, food and games
  • 6-6:15 p.m. – DJ Kay Rich music
  • 6:15-6:30 p.m. – Bulldog Marching Band, end with Fight Song
  • 6:30-6:50 p.m. – Team coach/captain introductions and welcome
  • 6:50-7 p.m. – Pep and Cheer performance
  • 7-7:15 p.m. – Football team coach/player intro and welcome
  • 7:15-7:30 – DJ Kay Rich & Friends
  • 7:30-8:30 p.m. – Whisky Row performance

Also tonight, William S. Smittcamp will be honored as the 2014 Top Dog along with 13 other outstanding alumni at the Top Dog Gala Awards at the Save Mart Center at 5:30 p.m. Friday.

On Saturday, two tailgates will take place before the football team’s game (kickoff at 7:30 p.m.).

The Alumni Football barbecue cook-off will be from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at O’Neill Park (Barstow and Woodrow avenues), benefiting KYJO’s Foster Family Agency. Tasting pass is $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

At 12:30 p.m., Fresno State alum Ryan Stiner will finish his “Run-For-A-Cause” to benefit the Autism Center @ Fresno State in the Fresno State Amphitheatre. He completes his 190-mile 10-day run from San Francisco to Fresno at a campus Homecoming Finish Line, but will officially complete his run at the football game during a Ceremonial Finish Line at halftime.

From 3-5 p.m. University Courtyard will host the annual Student and Student Organization Tailgate on the lawn near its Atrium lobby.

The Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band, under the direction of new band leader Steven McKeithen, and the Alumni Band will musically escort the student tailgaters to the stadium at 4:45 p.m.

On Sunday (Nov. 9), the Bulldogs basketball home opener, a double-header will be at the Save Mart Center with the women’s team at 2 p.m. and the men’s at 4 p.m.

For more information, call 559.278.2741.

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