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Show Sporfstacular September 20. 1979 Page 9 Mill : would like to bow out on winning not Weber States Eric Hill has been through it all with the Wildcats, all except a winning football season. In 1979 he would like to change that. For three years and now entering his fourth and final year in a purple uniform, Eric has withstood the thick and waded through the thin in football fortunes at the school. In most of those games he has run the pigskin and looked bright in some and perhaps a little dismal in others. What is the story behind Eric Hill? Who helped to open the shy personality he possessed the first day he walked on campus? Has he a shot at the pros? Troy Ratliff, Erics high school coach couldnt take his eye off of what he pictured then as a very promising athlete. Ratliff first noticed Hill in a gym class and later invited the Junior to try out for the football team. It was all new to me at first, said Eric, All I did that first year was run kickoffs and punts. On the basketball court he was a starter, and in the spring his track expertice in the 100 and 220 events was well known around the area. As a senior, Eric learned quickly and despite playing for a passing team, he led the league in rushing and made Allregion. Eric says discouragement was hanging over his football dreams at the beginning of his career at Weber State, but after a second-quarte- r entry against Nevada-La- s Vegas he pleased enough people to stay in the rest of the game and started several games after that in his freshman year. Last season at Weber State was high in extremes. At the beginning of football camp, Erics mind wasnt made up whether he wanted to play or not and he eventually left the team for a week. He came back though, and enjoyed his best year ever as a running back including a 190 yard outburst against Idaho. When thinking about yardage, Eric admits that most players really dont think about how many yards theyve accumulated in a game unless they are having a super poor ; game. 1979 in Weber State offense brings more the Changes balance according to Hill. Both the backs do a lot of blocking and my position seems more like a halfback position to me, said Hill, I enjoy it a lot better. Hill says the attitude of the 1979 squad is much more intense than in recent years. Even with the numerous fresh-- ; men manning key positions. Hill feels the Wildcats can climb atop a winning season. Pro football has entered Erics mind as of late, it would tynrq ty.wift the pira, scouts that visit'hinv gathering in his feeiings about going a step higher. Hill admits that since the first day he set foot on the Weber State campus that he has been more or less a shy guy. Majoring in Radio broadcasting and playing football have helped to change my personality. Im still pretty quiet, but sports and radio classes have helped me relate much better with people, said Hill. before a game is one of Erics strengths. If a team we are playing has strong linebackers, I try to think of what I can do to beat them. If the opposing team has a strong running back, I think of how much better a game I'll have than he. Little things like this motivate me, said Hill. Hill felt playing Brigham Young early in the season could only help the team. Well know exactlywhere we stand. No doubt well do much better against teams in our league, says Hill. At least two hours a week is what is expected of Weber backs to study films of games by themselves. Much more time is spent as a team watching films and practicing. All this according to Eric, is something you learn to budget into your time. He says it doesnt really bother studies. I like to meet people and be with them, says Eric, The disco scene keeps a lot of us guys involved in meeting plenty of people. One thing I dont like is losing close football games and losing at all. Ive been involved in a lot of close football games since being here. Eric isnt losing track of a winning season, even though the Wildcats are two down and have a tough one this week with Portland State. Weve got to be positive about it ' " one of the few seniors that dot the roster for Weber State football. from Palo Alto, California where he earned letterman four a year honors at Woodside High School. ERIC HILL is just is John Peterson, Sports Information Director for the past six years College, had resigned his position, and will enter The College has opened a search to fill the business. private position. Peterson came to Weber in 1973, and during his stay has been an active member of the Football Writers, Basketball Writers, and Track and Field Writers of America. He has served the national Sports Information Directors Association in several positions, and o terms as president of the Big Sky Conference has served Information directors. He is one of the founding officers of the Utah Sports Information Directors Association, which brought into being the Beehive Boot trophy in football and the Oquirrh Bucket trophy in basketball. He is leaving Weber State to accept a position with Powder Mountain Ski Resort. He will be in charge of promotions and resort. He will begin his public relations for the rapidly-growin- g duties immediately. He will maintain his connection with the Wildcats during the y broadcasts on the radio. He will coming year through Wildcat road the broadcast games on KJQ. Persons interested in applying for th-- j opening at the school are urged to contact Athletic Director Gary Crompton or the Weber State Personnel Department for particulars of the position. at Weber State Peterson resigns sports post with Weber State . play-by-pla- JOHN PETERSON .resigns from post .. Hill |