The Bulldogs are all in on this year’s strength and conditioning program

FRESNO, Calif. – As Fresno State continues in the off season, some are betting on new head coach Matt Entz’s winning record to help the Bulldogs this fall.

Entz has is 60-11 as a head coach. During his college coaching career, Entz has spent time at USC and North Dakota State.

He has a unique way of preparing in the off season. With head strength and conditioning coach Andy Ward’s long history with the dogs, the two have created a new plan to get their players ready for the season.

“There are three things that were doing this year that were emphasizing,” Ward said. “Number one were emphasizing functional strength; number two, were utilizing more football movement skills out on the field; and then number three, were working on our environment to make it a more cohesive team that works together.”

Strength and conditioning preparation has a big influence on how teams are expected to perform in the fall.

Players say, getting tapped for the preparation teams can be intimidating, but the results speak volumes about how important the program is.

“I feel like I’ve seen a lot more results in this training program I’ve been feeling a lot more stronger, a lot more explosive, a little bit from doing a lot of pushing and pulling,” offensive lineman Julian Polendo said.

Players said they’re on board with the new strength and conditioning program and feel they’re gaining what they need to be ready for the 2025 season.

“A lot of things are being done differently in the weight room this year,” wide receiver Josiah Freeman said. “I think we are more focused on everyone as a collective getting stronger and more explosive.”