Hill Recruits and Graduates STUDENT-athletes

Guard Kevin Cooper had to cut his football career short because of a career ending injury but that didn't stop him from getting an education. Cooper earned his bachelor's degree in business adminstration in just three years with a 4.o GPA. He also received the President's award at yesterday's graduation ceremony.

The President's Medal winner is selected from the nine undergraduate Dean's Medalists picked from the university's eight schools and colleges of academic discipline and the Division of Student Affairs.

He was an all-WAC academic selection in 2004. He is planning on attending law school and pursuing a career in corporate law.

"Having the top student at Fresno State as a part of our program is a great accomplishment and speaks volumes for Fresno State football," said head football coach Pat Hill who recruited Cooper to Fresno State.

"I'm very proud of Kevin for his accomplishments. He has overcome adversity with a serious football injury but never lost his focus and continued to compete in the class room. Kevin has all of the qualities and characteristics we look to recruit. He is the epitome of a Bulldog football player and I know he will be very successful in his future."

Hell it took me five years to earn my BA and I didn't even have the commintment of playing football under Hill. I tip my hat to Kevin Cooper.

Fresno State Beats USC

Academically! Fresno State's academic strength in the football program was demonstrated in this year's Academic Progress Rate report card released by the NCAA.