A skydiving team with deep ties to Valley football communities is continuing a tradition of delivering game balls and entertaining fans before kickoff, while creating lasting memories for its members.
Most schools require patrons to enter through the front gate on Friday nights. But at a recent game between Kerman and Kingsburg, members of the Bulldog Blitz skydiving team arrived from above.
"This was the first year Kerman invited us to come skydive. So it was pretty amazing," said Brandy Robertson, a Kerman teacher and skydiver with Bulldog Blitz.
Robertson delivered the game ball to a roaring crowd at the home of the Lions. The experience also brought personal connections.
"When I landed, I actually had some students from the past... and they came up and gave me a hug and, you know, said, Oh, Ms. Robertson! How are you?" Robertson said.
The excitement generated by the jumps is not limited to one school. Members of the team also descend into Valley Children's Stadium on game days, where fans have embraced the tradition.
"I like the crank turns into the stadium and the roar of the crowd is something that's exhilarating," said Kingsburg alumnus Luke Breshears, who has been skydiving for 10 years.
The Bulldog Blitz skydiving team brought skydiving back to Bulldog football games in 2015.
"To see that fan base and hear that roar. It's a true passion to give back to the community," said Chris Boling, co-founder of Bulldog Blitz Skydiving.
For some team members, the tradition spans generations.
"In my case, it was my dad that was skydiving into the games. So it was always, you know, this kind of legendary goal to aspire to. But that's one of the things that I hold the closest near and dear to my heart," said Sarah Gilbert, a Madera alumna who has been skydiving for 20 years.
Robertson said she grew up watching members of the team perform the same jumps she now takes part in.
"Those were actually the guys that were skydiving on the field when I was a child... this thing that you never think that you'll be able to do. And it was really like the best feeling," she said.
Beyond the game-day spectacle, team members say the experience has helped create lifelong bonds. From marriage proposals on Jim Sweeney's field to relationships formed through the sport, they describe Bulldog Blitz as more than a skydiving team.
"We've been doing this for so long and we love and care for each other so deeply. And this experience has been something that is going to be in our life forever," said MaryAnn Boling, co-founder of Bulldog Blitz Skydiving.
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