Dear Red Wave,
This Saturday will be your first chance to catch our team in action at Valley Children's Stadium in 2024 and I can't begin to tell you how special this upcoming game is for me. As we prepare for our second game of the season and the home opener, I get to reflect on getting the opportunity to coach in the same stadium that I played in as a player, and there are really no words to describe it.
For me personally, this Saturday is more than just a football game. It's the culmination of years of hard work, memories, and dreams.This is exactly where I want to be. The connection I have to this program, to this place—it's deep. Fresno State is home.
Making that walk through the Red Mile and coming down that ramp is something so special. I had the chance to do it as a player, as an assistant coach, and now I get to lead our team as the head coach. It is a moment I am going to take in and truly appreciate.
The Red Wave makes this place feel like home for so many of us. You're all a part of that feeling. From the fans, to the students, to the band and spirit team, everybody plays a role in the atmosphere and we feed off of that on the field. When there are 41,000 people in the stands, we feel every single one of you and we want to see that this weekend. Be loud and fire the guys up on defense, celebrate with the guys when we score touchdowns and you hear that siren ring out, and just enjoy the pageantry of Bulldog football on a Saturday night.
The Red Wave brings an energy unlike any other. By the numbers, we have proven to have the best fan base in
the Mountain West and across the country for the last few years, and I know this year won't be any different. Our team has worked hard all offseason to make you proud and represent the Valley with great pride. We are excited to get to play in front of you this weekend. I have seen a lot of good football played in our stadium over the years, and I can promise you that is only going to continue in 2024.
We felt the passion of the Red Wave during our first road trip, and we know you are going to pack the house this weekend. There is truly nothing like game day in Fresno. We hear those tailgate lots rocking early in the afternoon, giving the sense that something big is about to happen..
So come out, be early, be loud, have some fun, and help us win this game. This is our home. This is our time. And with the Red Wave behind us, I know we can achieve great things.Your support means everything to myself, the staff and to our team. So, let's pack the house, let's get loud, and let's show the world what Fresno State football means to this Valley.
Go 'Dogs!
Tim Skipper