They took on the tackling dummies, they threw the ball, caught the ball, they ran, they jumped — and, perhaps most important, they did their touchdown dances.

This was the scene Friday night (Aug. 16) as children took to the field for the annual Football Fan Fest. The players were there, too, working on skills with the children, playing with them, dancing with them. See more photos in this Facebook album.

The players also helped unveil the new “UC Davis Health Stadium” sign at the main gate. See separate story. With the players behind him, Chancellor Gary S. May took the opportunity to recognize “our outstanding football team.”

“As you know, they’re coming off an incredible year. Not only did UC Davis football celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2018, but it did so with the most spectacular season in school history,” he said, referring to a 7-1 record in Big Sky Conference play and a share of the conference championship, and the university’s first appearance (and victory) in the NCAA’s Football Championship Subdivision playoffs.

The chancellor also noted Dan Hawkins’ selection as Big Sky Coach of the Year and his being presented the Eddie Robinson Award as the top coach in the FCS.

“But, we’re not going to rest on our laurels,” the chancellor continued. “The team’s been working hard over the past three weeks at fall camp and focused squarely on the year ahead.”

He is especially looking forward to the season opener, Saturday, Aug. 31, at Cal — a game that holds special meaning for the chancellor, who said he hopes for “bragging rights” over his alma mater UC Berkeley, where he earned master’s and doctoral degrees in electrical engineering and computer science.

Aggies vs. Bears: Information about the game and the UC Davis Tailgate beforehand, and how to attend.

UC Davis Magazine: “Settling the Score,” about the Davis-Berkeley game of 1939.

“Let’s continue to show these remarkable student-athletes and all the football staff your support. They’re setting a new standard of excellence and bringing the national spotlight right here to Davis.”

Aggie football 2019

• Home opener vs. Lehigh, 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14.
• See the complete home schedule here.
• Tickets (including season tickets and mini plans)

UC Davis Coaches Show

Hawkins will be the guest on the first UC Davis Coaches Show of the new season, 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 28, to be broadcast live from Davis’ Sudwerk Brewing Co., during a relaunch event (4-8 p.m.) for Gunrock American Lager.

The Coaches Show will be presented weekly for 12 weeks on Sports 1140 KHTK AM or online at TuneIn Radio. The day of the broadcast may change from week to week, but the time will stay the same, 6 p.m. Look for the latest information on the UC Davis Aggies website,

Read more about the relaunch of Gunrock American Lager (including the new 16-ounce cans that will be sold at home football games), and learn about the Aggies behind the beer.

Follow Dateline UC Davis on Twitter.