Hill visits Lindsay
LINDSAY — Last summer, Fresno State football coach Pat Hill graced his presence at “Casino Night,” an in-town fund-raiser that aimed to raise money for the three Porterville high school football programs.
Perhaps sometime between the craps tables and the open bar, Hill made a new acquaintance — McDermont Field House program manager Rene Hernandez — that resulted in making a return celebrity appearance to the Orange Belt.
Only this time, Hill’s goals to raise money hit closer to home.
Titled “An Evening with Pat Hill,” Friday night’s dinner social played host to more than 70 individuals who enjoyed a steak dinner while hamming it up with the Bulldog coach within McDermont’s party room.
“I’m really excited about being here,” Hill said just before entertaining guests with a 20-minute speech followed by a question-and-answer session.
The 11-year Fresno State coach, who also had stints with the Ravens and Browns, spoke of building character in his athletes while teaching them the importance of academic proficiency.
It only made sense when Hill ran into Hernandez that McDermont would be a potential site to help raise money for Fresno State’s Quarterback Club, a booster club that benefits the university’s student athletes.
And after his first trip to the enormous recreational facility, it appears that Hill will make regular stops in Lindsay.
“Pat has been all over the states and he said he’s never seen anything like this,” said Hernandez, who keeps in touch with the coach periodically. “He was very impressed.”
Added Hill, “I toured the facility and it’s just unbelievable what they have here in Lindsay. You can get lost in this place.”
Hill answered fans’ questions regarding the upcoming football season and expressed excitement about the Bulldogs’ non-conference schedule, which includes Wisconsin and Cincinnati.
Afterward, Hill posed with guests for photos and signed autographs, while raffle winners were given autographed memorabilia and four tickets to a yet-undetermined Fresno State football game.
Dinner tickets cost $45 per individual and $350 per table. All proceeds went to the Quarterback Club after covering event costs.
In attendance to support the Club as well as the Bulldog Foundation was former Bulldogs starting linebacker Emanuel Sanchez.
The Lindsay native starred as quarterback for Lindsay High and made the ESL first team before joining Fresno State in 2002.
