(7th day of blogs looking back on Fresno State athletics in 2007-08.)

Fresno State football coach Pat Hill wasn't content just to sign his name on footballs and discuss next season with parents at a Bulldogs brand-building event last month in Tulare.

Standing on an almost-bare platform at the International Agri-Center, microphone in hand, Hill delivered a simple message to a good-sized crowd of youngsters, parents and grandparents.

The Bulldogs are the Valley's football team. Fresno State is the Valley's university. Together, the Valley and the university can do great things.

"I want to let you know, we're going to do the best we can to represent you in this community every time we take the field," Hill said. "Not only on the field, but off the field."

Hill left the stage to applause and cheers.