Fresno, Weber reunite family

OGDEN — When asked about playing No. 24 Fresno State this weekend, all Weber State coach Ron McBride could do was smile.

The 65-year-old coach beamed because today's contest in California will be more than just a game. It will also be a family reunion.

McBride's ties with the Fresno program run deep. His biggest connection comes through his daughter Jill, who is married to John Baxter, the Bulldogs' associate head coach. McBride and assistant coach Jugi Hogue were also both members of the UC Riverside coaching staff when Fresno head coach Pat Hill played in 1973. Hill later served as a graduate assistant at Utah (1977-80) when McBride was a Ute assistant under Wayne Howard.

"Besides his own father, Ron is the most influential man in Pat Hill's life," Baxter said. "I think of Ron as a father, not just a father-in-law. We have the utmost respect for him. That's why we are preparing the way we are."

Baxter means it, too. Since he's coached with the 'Dogs, this will be the fourth meeting between Fresno and a McBride-coached team.

Baxter said the Bulldogs won't take the Wildcats lightly because they are Division I-AA. He said he learned long ago never to underestimate his father-in-law.

"We're expecting (Weber's) best," Baxter said. "(McBride) is a master of getting his team ready to play. He's the most competitive guy I know. He's not going to hold anything back, I guarantee it.

"It doesn't matter if it's golf, Tiddlywinks or football, we're going to play to win. We compete at everything, even politics."

This will be the first game of the season for the Bulldogs, who are coming off a 9-3 season and a victory over Virginia in the MPC Computers Bowl. McBride understands the challenge will be significantly greater than it was in the 61-0 rout of Western State.

While McBride is 4-3 against Fresno State as a head coach, Weber State is only 3-35 all-time against Division I-A opponents.

"We're playing a whole new team (this) week," McBride said. "This is the team they've been building for. They feel better about this team than ever before. We'll see what we're made of."

While emotions may run high, McBride and Baxter both know to leave the intensity on the field.

"The game is just three hours," Baxter said. "But it's always good to see family, no matter the circumstances."

The game will kick off at 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN-U. This marks the first appearance for a Weber football team on an ESPN station.